- Solitary Eagle
Taxobox
name = Solitary Eagle
status = NT | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Falconiformes
familia =Accipitridae
genus = "Harpyhaliaetus "
species = "H. solitarius"
binomial = "Harpyhaliaetus solitarius"
binomial_authority = (Tschudi ,1844 )The Solitary Eagle, "Harpyhaliaetus solitarius", is a large
neotropical eagle.Range and Habitat
The Solitary Eagle is native to
Mexico and Central andSouth America . It is found in mountainous or hilly forests. Records from lowlands, while often reported, are usually misidentifications of another species, usuallyCommon Black Hawk . There are no confirmed reports from lowlands. It is rare in all areas and poorly known.Appearance
The adult Solitary Eagle is uniformly dark gray, often appearing black, with white markings on the tail. It is 63-76 cm (25 to 30 inches) long, weighs 3 kg (6.6 lbs), and has a 152-188 cm (60 to 74 inch) wingspan. It appears very similar to the Common Black Hawk and
Great Black Hawk , but is much larger and has significantly broader wings, extending nearly to the tip of the tail. The exceptionally broad wings are one of the prime distinguishing characteristics of this species.The juvenile is mottled brown and tan, with markings around the eyes. It otherwise resembles the adult.
Relationships
Recent studies have shown that the Solitary Eagle is closely related to the black-hawks. Therefore, it may not merit a separate genus.
References
* Database entry includes justification for why this species is near threatened
* Howell, Steve N.G., and Sophie Webb. "A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America." Oxford University Press, New York, 1995. (ISBN 0-19-854012-4)
* Jones, H. Lee. "Birds of Belize." University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas, 2003.
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