Miami MetroZoo / March 13, 2010

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American flamingo, is the most brightly colored and largest of all flamingos. With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces. They are a scarlet pink color overall and have black primary feathers. Their bill is downward bending at its midpoint. They have large bodies and flexible long necks topped with a small head. The flamingo's long legs and feet are bare, and their toes are webbed, which is good for wading. Young birds are mostly grey and do not develop their characteristic pink until after the first year. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American flamingo, is the most brightly colored and largest of all flamingos. With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces. They are a scarlet pink color overall and have black primary feathers. Their bill is downward bending at its midpoint. They have large bodies and flexible long necks topped with a small head. The flamingo's long legs and feet are bare, and their toes are webbed, which is good for wading. Young birds are mostly grey and do not develop their characteristic pink until after the first year. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American flamingo, is the most brightly colored and largest of all flamingos. With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces. They are a scarlet pink color overall and have black primary feathers. Their bill is downward bending at its midpoint. They have large bodies and flexible long necks topped with a small head. The flamingo's long legs and feet are bare, and their toes are webbed, which is good for wading. Young birds are mostly grey and do not develop their characteristic pink until after the first year. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Red-crested Pochard [male and female]

The male Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) has an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks. Females are brown with pale cheeks. In flight, they show whitish primaries.The Red-crested Pochard is larger than a Common Pochard (Aythya ferina).They dive, dabble and up-end for their food. Red-crested Pochards are the only ducks known to engage in a feeding ritual whereby the male dives and brings food offerings to his mate while she swims on the surface.

Red-crested Pochard [male]

The male Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) has an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks. Females are brown with pale cheeks. In flight, they show whitish primaries.The Red-crested Pochard is larger than a Common Pochard (Aythya ferina).They dive, dabble and up-end for their food. Red-crested Pochards are the only ducks known to engage in a feeding ritual whereby the male dives and brings food offerings to his mate while she swims on the surface.

Red-crested Pochard [male]

The male Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) has an orange-brown head with a red beak and pale flanks. Females are brown with pale cheeks. In flight, they show whitish primaries.The Red-crested Pochard is larger than a Common Pochard (Aythya ferina).They dive, dabble and up-end for their food. Red-crested Pochards are the only ducks known to engage in a feeding ritual whereby the male dives and brings food offerings to his mate while she swims on the surface.

White Bengal Tiger

White tigers are Bengal tigers. They’re not albino or their own separate species, as many people think. White tigers occur when two Bengal tigers that carry a recessive gene controlling coat color are bred together.

Bengal Tigers

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species. At one time there were eight subspecies; now, there are only six. They once ranged widely across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia (Nowell and Jackson, 1996). Over the past 100 years, tigers have disappeared from southwest and central Asia, from two Indonesian islands (Java and Bali) and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Tigers have lost 93% of their historic range (Sanderson et al., 2006). Tigers are currently found in twelve Asian range states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. They may still persist in North Korea, although there has been no recent confirmed evidence. It is the largest living member of the cat family and no two animals are the same; each Bengal Tiger has its own pattern of stripes. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species White tigers are Bengal tigers. They’re not albino or their own separate species, as many people think. White tigers occur when two Bengal tigers that carry a recessive gene controlling coat color are bred together.

Bengal Tigers

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species. At one time there were eight subspecies; now, there are only six. They once ranged widely across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia (Nowell and Jackson, 1996). Over the past 100 years, tigers have disappeared from southwest and central Asia, from two Indonesian islands (Java and Bali) and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Tigers have lost 93% of their historic range (Sanderson et al., 2006). Tigers are currently found in twelve Asian range states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. They may still persist in North Korea, although there has been no recent confirmed evidence. It is the largest living member of the cat family and no two animals are the same; each Bengal Tiger has its own pattern of stripes. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species White tigers are Bengal tigers. They’re not albino or their own separate species, as many people think. White tigers occur when two Bengal tigers that carry a recessive gene controlling coat color are bred together.

Bengal Tigers

The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species. At one time there were eight subspecies; now, there are only six. They once ranged widely across Asia, from Turkey in the west to the eastern coast of Russia (Nowell and Jackson, 1996). Over the past 100 years, tigers have disappeared from southwest and central Asia, from two Indonesian islands (Java and Bali) and from large areas of Southeast and Eastern Asia. Tigers have lost 93% of their historic range (Sanderson et al., 2006). Tigers are currently found in twelve Asian range states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. They may still persist in North Korea, although there has been no recent confirmed evidence. It is the largest living member of the cat family and no two animals are the same; each Bengal Tiger has its own pattern of stripes. Status: Endangered --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species White tigers are Bengal tigers. They’re not albino or their own separate species, as many people think. White tigers occur when two Bengal tigers that carry a recessive gene controlling coat color are bred together.

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American flamingo, is the most brightly colored and largest of all flamingos. With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces. They are a scarlet pink color overall and have black primary feathers. Their bill is downward bending at its midpoint. They have large bodies and flexible long necks topped with a small head. The flamingo's long legs and feet are bare, and their toes are webbed, which is good for wading. Young birds are mostly grey and do not develop their characteristic pink until after the first year. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Caribbean Flamingo

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American flamingo, is the most brightly colored and largest of all flamingos. With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces. They are a scarlet pink color overall and have black primary feathers. Their bill is downward bending at its midpoint. They have large bodies and flexible long necks topped with a small head. The flamingo's long legs and feet are bare, and their toes are webbed, which is good for wading. Young birds are mostly grey and do not develop their characteristic pink until after the first year. The sexes are similar in appearance.

Miami MetroZoo

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Geochelone gigantea) is second only to the Galapagos tortoise as the biggest land tortoise in the world. Aldabra Tortoises can weigh more than 500 pounds, with a shell more than five feet long. The Aldabra Tortoise is native to the Aldabra Atoll Islands off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is the last known survivor of a group of giant tortoises once found on Madagascar and the Seychelles Islands. Some of Miami MetroZoo's Aldabra Tortoises have been in captivity since 1937! The Galapagos Tortoise is the only other surviving giant tortoise species. Fun facts: Male tortoises will bellow loudly to attract females for mating. Aldabra Tortoises usually live for 65 to 90 years. But they've been known to live even longer: the record is 152 years! Status: Vulnerable --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Geochelone gigantea) is second only to the Galapagos tortoise as the biggest land tortoise in the world. Aldabra Tortoises can weigh more than 500 pounds, with a shell more than five feet long. The Aldabra Tortoise is native to the Aldabra Atoll Islands off the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is the last known survivor of a group of giant tortoises once found on Madagascar and the Seychelles Islands. Some of Miami MetroZoo's Aldabra Tortoises have been in captivity since 1937! The Galapagos Tortoise is the only other surviving giant tortoise species. Fun facts: Male tortoises will bellow loudly to attract females for mating. Aldabra Tortoises usually live for 65 to 90 years. But they've been known to live even longer: the record is 152 years! Status: Vulnerable --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Bromeliad

Bromeliad

Bromeliad

Bromeliad

Bromeliad

Guira Cuckoo

The Guira Cuckoo (Guira guira), a scruffy looking bird, the Guira Cuckoo has a rufous crest and orange-yellow bill and eye. It is a social, nonparasitic (brood paratism refers to the practice of one species laying its egg in the nest of another species called the host) cuckoo found widely in open and semi-open habitats of eastern and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and north-eastern Argentina.

Grey-winged Trumpeter

The Grey-winged Trumpeter (Psophia crepitans) is one of three closely related chicken-like birds in the family Psophiidae, all of which are endemic to South America. The Gray-winged Trumpeter is odd-looking and very vocal, and is commonly encountered in the forest understory where they forage for fruit and insects. This bird is kept as a pet by Amerindians since it is easily tamed, hunts snakes, and is a very efficient sentinel, with its unmissable alarm call. Grey-winged Trumpeters are unusual in that they are one of a handful of polyandrous cooperative breeders. It is a weak flier and will run by preference. The Grey-winged Trumpeter's song is a low humming, but its call, as its name suggests, is a very loud JEEK or honking TZAAK. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: When I first saw this bird, it was listed as Least Concern. The current population has since been decreasing and was designated as Near Threatened in 2014.] This beauty is behind a very dirty window!!

Grey-winged Trumpeter

The Grey-winged Trumpeter (Psophia crepitans) is one of three closely related chicken-like birds in the family Psophiidae, all of which are endemic to South America. The Gray-winged Trumpeter is odd-looking and very vocal, and is commonly encountered in the forest understory where they forage for fruit and insects. This bird is kept as a pet by Amerindians since it is easily tamed, hunts snakes, and is a very efficient sentinel, with its unmissable alarm call. Grey-winged Trumpeters are unusual in that they are one of a handful of polyandrous cooperative breeders. It is a weak flier and will run by preference. The Grey-winged Trumpeter's song is a low humming, but its call, as its name suggests, is a very loud JEEK or honking TZAAK. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: When I first saw this bird, it was listed as Least Concern. The current population has since been decreasing and was designated as Near Threatened in 2014.] This beauty is behind a very dirty window!!

White-faced Saki Monkey

White-faced Saki Monkey aka Guianan Saki and Golden-faced Saki (Pithecia pithecia) - These monkeys have longer legs than arms. The difference between the sexes is considerable. Adult males are black, with the striking white face. The females are brownish-grey and have only a narrow white stripe on the face between the inner eye and mouth. Color differences like this between the sexes are termed "sexual dichromatism." They have great leaping ability and spend little time on the ground.

White-faced Saki Monkey

The White-faced Saki Monkey aka Guianan Saki and Golden-faced Saki (Pithecia pithecia) has longer legs than arms. The difference between the sexes is considerable. Adult males are black, with the striking white face. The females are brownish-grey and have only a narrow white stripe on the face between the inner eye and mouth. Color differences like this between the sexes are termed "sexual dichromatism." They have great leaping ability and spend little time on the ground.

Grey-winged Trumpeter

The Grey-winged Trumpeter (Psophia crepitans) is one of three closely related chicken-like birds in the family Psophiidae, all of which are endemic to South America. The Gray-winged Trumpeter is odd-looking and very vocal, and is commonly encountered in the forest understory where they forage for fruit and insects. This bird is kept as a pet by Amerindians since it is easily tamed, hunts snakes, and is a very efficient sentinel, with its unmissable alarm call. Grey-winged Trumpeters are unusual in that they are one of a handful of polyandrous cooperative breeders. It is a weak flier and will run by preference. The Grey-winged Trumpeter's song is a low humming, but its call, as its name suggests, is a very loud JEEK or honking TZAAK. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [NOTE: When I first saw this bird, it was listed as Least Concern. The current population has since been decreasing and was designated as Near Threatened in 2014.] This beauty is behind a very dirty window!!

Blue Poison Dart Frog

The Blue Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus') is a type of poison dart frog found in the forests surrounded by the Sipaliwini savannah, which is located in southern Suriname and Brazil. It is widely known as the Blue Poison Dart Frog or by its Tirio Indian name, Okopipi. It takes its species name from the fact that it is colored azure. The very conspicuous coloration serves as a warning to would-be predators of its poisonous properties. Its skin is covered with a myriad of glands that secrete alkaloid poisons capable of paralyzing, even killing predators. The black spots are unique to each frog, serving as an identification tool. Each foot contains four toes which each have a flattened tip with a suction cup pad which is used for gripping. This species of frog is also identifiable by a hunch-backed posture. This colorful frog was not even discovered until 1968!

Stingray

Chiloé Wigeon

The Chiloé Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix) is named after the island of Chiloé, off the coast of Chile. The Chiloe Wigeon is a relatively compact duck with an attractively patterned black and white body, chestnut flanks, and a broad, iridescent green band extending from the eye to the back of the neck. Sexual dimorphism is relatively subtle in this species of wigeon. Males are usually somewhat larger and heavier, and with somewhat brighter plumage and more strongly pronounced iridescence of the cap. Apart from these features, it can be difficult to distinguish the two sexes.

Chiloé Wigeon

The Chiloé Wigeon (Anas sibilatrix) is named after the island of Chiloé, off the coast of Chile. The Chiloe Wigeon is a relatively compact duck with an attractively patterned black and white body, chestnut flanks, and a broad, iridescent green band extending from the eye to the back of the neck. Sexual dimorphism is relatively subtle in this species of wigeon. Males are usually somewhat larger and heavier, and with somewhat brighter plumage and more strongly pronounced iridescence of the cap. Apart from these features, it can be difficult to distinguish the two sexes.

Black-necked Swan

This is the female sitting on her nest. On March 18, 2010, two cygnets hatched at the zoo. Though it is the smallest of the swan species, the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melanocoryphus) is the largest waterfowl found in South America. Like other swans, they are monogamous, usually mating for life. It is found in freshwater marshes, lagoon and lake shores in southern South America. The Black-necked Swan breeds in Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and on the Falkland Islands. The Black-necked Swan, like its nearest relatives the Black and Mute Swan, is relatively silent. Also, unlike most wildfowl, both parents regularly carry the cygnets on their backs.

Black-necked Swan

This is the female sitting on her nest. On March 18, 2010, two cygnets hatched at the zoo. Though it is the smallest of the swan species, the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melanocoryphus) is the largest waterfowl found in South America. Like other swans, they are monogamous, usually mating for life. It is found in freshwater marshes, lagoon and lake shores in southern South America. The Black-necked Swan breeds in Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and on the Falkland Islands. The Black-necked Swan, like its nearest relatives the Black and Mute Swan, is relatively silent. Also, unlike most wildfowl, both parents regularly carry the cygnets on their backs.

Black-necked Swan

This is the female sitting on her nest. On March 18, 2010, two cygnets hatched at the zoo. Though it is the smallest of the swan species, the Black-necked Swan (Cygnus melanocoryphus) is the largest waterfowl found in South America. Like other swans, they are monogamous, usually mating for life. It is found in freshwater marshes, lagoon and lake shores in southern South America. The Black-necked Swan breeds in Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and on the Falkland Islands. The Black-necked Swan, like its nearest relatives the Black and Mute Swan, is relatively silent. Also, unlike most wildfowl, both parents regularly carry the cygnets on their backs.

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [male]

The is the father of Panama - the young Harpy Eagle several photos to the right. The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is also known as the American Harpy Eagle. It is the national bird of Panama and is depicted on the nation's coat of arms. Harpy Eagles are considered to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful eagles. Although this eagle has hind talons up to the size of grizzly bear claws, they typically can only fly with prey weighing up to approximately one half of their body weight. The Harpy Eagoe is one of the largest of the 50 species of eagles, about half the length of an average sized human. It can reach speeds of 50 mph in flight. The Harpy often builds its nest in the crown of the kapok (ceiba) tree, one of the tallest trees in South America. In many South American cultures it is considered bad luck to cut down the kapok tree, which may help safe guard the habitat of this stately eagle. Harpy Eagles, like many other birds of prey, bring fresh green twigs and branches to the nest. Some researchers think this helps to fumigate the nest against insects and parasites, and provide a cooler environment for the nestling. Harpy Eagles are found in tropical lowland forests from southeastern Mexico to northern Argentina and southern Brazil. This bird prefers large expanses of uninterrupted forest but will hunt in open areas adjacent to forest patches. Status: Near Threatened --> Status information found at The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Harpy Eagle [female]

This is a five-month old Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) named "Panama" - born on September 22, 2009. On March 4, 2010, she ventured away from the nest site for the first time and perched herself on a large log allowing herself to see the areas surrounding her exhibit. Her mother was very close by and the male Harpy was across the way eating breakfast. MetroZoo is only the second zoo in all of North America to hatch this magnificent bird. The first was hatched in 1992 at the San Diego Zoo, which is where the chick's parents used to live before being loaned to Miami seven years ago. In the wild, Harpy Eagle chicks depend on their parents for sometimes over a year before venturing out on their own. Females can reach a weight of 20 pounds as opposed to males which average about 12. Panama was very curious!!