A Harpy is a large bird of prey that lives in Central and South America. There are several kinds of Harpies, and they all belong to the hawk family. The best known is the Harpy Eagle. It grows about 38 inches long and has a wingspread of 7 feet.  A long crest and a frill cover the back of it’s neck. Its head and neck are gray, it’s chest brownish black, and its underparts white. It has a black bill and yellow feet.

The fierce Harpy Eagle lives deep in the forests from Mexico to Bolivia, Southern Brazil, and Northeastern Argentina. It is heavy and powerful in flight, but quick and nimble when pursuing its prey through the thick vegetation. It attacks wild turkeys, fawns, sloths, and medium sized pigs. The Harpy Eagle selects the top of the tallest tree in the neighborhood to build its nest.

Four other species of Harpies, the crowned, Guiana, Striped, and Solitary, also live in tropical America. They are smaller than the harpy eagle. Harpies are named after the winged monsters in ancient Mythology.