This Bird Is One Of The Largest In The World, With Talons The Size Of A Grizzly Bear’s Claws

The Harpy Eagle can travel up to 50 mph when tracking prey, can snatch creatures that weigh up to 17 pounds, and can have a wingspan up to 7.5 feet.

Fantastical creatures aren’t just found in movie scripts or science-fiction books, they exist right here, right now on this planet. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at the Harpy Eagle, which is one of the most powerful and largest birds on the planet.

As HonestToPaws reports, a Harpy Eagle can grow up to 42 inches long and has a wingspan record of 7.5 feet. Additionally, the eagle can weigh up to 20 pounds. Intriguingly, females can grow up to twice the size as their male mates. Most notable, however, is the Harpy Eagle’s talons, which are the same size as a grizzly bear’s claws at 3-4 inches long.

There’s more to be surprised about than the eagle’s looks. Harpy Eagles are mostly found in the rainforests of Central and South America. And, when in serious hunting mode, a Harpy Eagle can travel up to 50 miles per hour. Because they are so powerful, they can snatch up creatures — such as monkeys and sloths — that weigh up to 17 pounds. That’s impressive!

One final neat fact about the birds is that they are the original inspiration for the design of Fawkes the Phoenix, from the Harry Potter film series.

After a guy squatted near a Harpy Eagle and “wowed” the internet with the photo, he inspired onlookers to learn more about the bird.

Harpy Eagles are one of the most powerful and largest birds on the planet

They can grow up to 42 inches long, with a wingspan reaching 7.5 feet

Some weigh up to 20 pounds, and females usually double the size of their mate

Most notable, their claws are 3-4 inches long — the same length as a grizzly bear’s claws!

[More…]

Philosophers stone – selected views from the boat http://philosophers-stone.co.uk