The World’s Coolest Bird: Guyana’s Harpy Eagles

The Harpy Eagles of Guyana are one of the world’s largest and most spectacular raptors. This massive bird of prey has fanned-out gray feathers on its head and a black breast band that separates its white belly from the gray face.

How strong is this beauty? According to the World Wildlife Foundation, Harpy Eagles can snatch a sloth from a treetop while flying and carry an animal weighing over 10 kilos (22 lbs.). Due to its amazing strength, this bird can crush the bones of its prey with just its claws.

This huge bird is named after the harpy — a frightening half-woman, half-bird creature from Greek mythology. This makes sense given the fact that a female Harpy Eagle is nearly twice as large as the male!

The Harpy Eagle is an elusive species. However, Guyana’s pristine rainforest is the perfect habitat. You might spot one in the Iwokrama Rainforest along the Canopy Walkway or the untouched canopies of the Kanuku Mountains. Atta Rainforest Lodge, Rewa Eco-lodge, Warapoka and Surama Eco-Lodge are also good options.

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