Download The Body Structure of Harpy Eagles

Name: Leung Chun Kin (15)
Class: F.1E
Description of Eagles
Eagles are large, powerful birds of prey. These meat-eaters have a large
beak and large, clawed feet, which they use to catch their prey. They hunt
during the day, catching their prey. Eagles mate for life. They are
monogamous and use the same nest each year to raise their baby bird.
The Characteristics of the Harpy Eagles
The Harpy Eagle is the largest eagle and the most powerful
bird of prey in the world. It is a magnificent meat-eater that lives
in Central and South American rainforest. This large eagle makes
whistling and clicking calls. It is an endangered species because
of the fragmentation and destruction of its habitat, and also
because of hunting.
The Body Structure of Harpy Eagles:
Harpy Eagles are about 86 cm long and have a wingspan of about 2 m.
Females are about a third larger than males. On average, female harpies
weigh 7-9 kg, and male harpies weigh 5-8 kg. Their curved talons are up to
12.5 cm long.
Diet of the Harpy Eagles:
Eagles are meat-eaters; they hunt during the day. Harpies eat animals
such as monkeys or birds. The eagle dives down onto its prey and catches it
with outstretched, clawed feet.
Eggs and Nests:
Harpy Eagles mate for life; they build a large nest made of sticks and
twigs. Nests are usually located very high. It is often over 40 m in trees or on
cliffs. Females lay 1-2 eggs in each clutch (a set of eggs laid at one time), but
only one survives. The incubation period is about 53 to 56 days. Both parents
care for the young.
Is this species, the Harpy Eagles, threatened, and if so, why?
According to a botany professor at The University of Texas at Austin,
half of all living bird and mammal species will be gone within 200 or 300
years. Therefore, the Harpy Eagles are also an endangered species. The
factors include human impacts and natural factors.
Firstly, they are affected by the human impacts. They face the
problem of being hunted. They were once the preys of the human hunters
before there were laws to prohibit human being hunting of eagles .
Besides, they are threatened by the natural factors. It is due to the
recent change in the environment such as the climatic or habitat change. So
they face the problems of destruction of its habitat. Its nesting habitat has
been degraded, and many sites are vulnerable to predation and human
disturbance.
References
http://www.newswise.com/articles/2002/1/EXTINCT.TXA.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/birds/printouts/Harpyeagle.shtml
http://www.ramas.com/pva.htm