harpy eagle

noun

: a large powerful crested eagle (Harpia harpyja) of Central and South America that is black above and chiefly white below

Examples of harpy eagle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web High up in the trees, these primates face threats from birds of prey, like the formidable harpy eagle, and snakes. Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2023 For some, the experience included encountering the majestic harpy eagle, one of the world’s most powerful avian predators and threatened species that has been known to nest near the camp. Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2021 The harpy eagle is at risk of disappearing in a similar fashion as 10 mammal, 20 bird and eight amphibian species during three decades of deforestation, according to the foundation. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 3 July 2021 At 2400 meters above sea level, the hotel vantage point allows for a great view of the harpy eagle, the national bird of Panama, as well as the resplendent quetzal, which is most likely to be seen in Boquete. Michael Alpiner, Forbes, 16 May 2021 The harpy eagle is one of the largest eagles—with a wingspan of 6.5 feet, rear talons up to 4 inches long, and a weight of 9-20 pounds. National Geographic, 6 Nov. 2020 As well as defending the rainforest, indigenous communities use drones to locate Brazil nut trees, which provide a vital source of food and income, and to monitor important species, such as the harpy eagle -- a bird sacred to the Uru-Eu-Wau-Wau. Hazel Pfeifer, CNN, 1 Sep. 2020 Hone your wildlife observation skills by identifying some of Yasuní’s nearly 600 bird species, including colorful toucans and the massive harpy eagle. National Geographic, 10 Sep. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'harpy eagle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of harpy eagle was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near harpy eagle

Cite this Entry

“Harpy eagle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harpy%20eagle. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on harpy eagle

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!