Harpy Eagle vs Superb Fairywren
Harpia harpyja compared with Malurus cyaneus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Harpy Eagle | Superb Fairywren |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Harpia harpyja | Malurus cyaneus |
| Order | Accipitriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae | Maluridae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
| Length | 100.0 cm (39.4 in) | 14.0 cm (5.5 in) |
| Wingspan | 200.0 cm (78.7 in) | 16.0 cm (6.3 in) |
| Weight | 7500.0 g (264.55 oz) | 10.0 g (0.35 oz) |
| Diet | Arboreal mammals including sloths, monkeys, and opossums, which make up over 70% of the diet. … | Primarily insects and other small invertebrates gleaned from low vegetation. Also takes seeds and small … |
| Clutch Size | 2-3 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Harpy Eagle
Tropical lowland rainforests, requiring large tracts of continuous forest with tall emergent trees for nesting.
Superb Fairywren
Dense undergrowth in eucalyptus woodland, gardens, parks, and heath throughout southeastern Australia.
Song & Call Comparison
Harpy Eagle
Rarely heard; emits mournful whistled screams 'wheee-oo' and low croaking grunts near the nest. Vocalizations poorly documented given its remote Amazonian habitat.
Superb Fairywren
An extremely complex, melodic song: a long series of trills and warbles delivered rapidly. Males sing throughout the day. Alarm is a sharp 'tseet'. Among Australia's finest singers.
Geographic Range & Migration
Harpy Eagle
Central and South America from southern Mexico through Brazil and northern Argentina. Range is shrinking due to deforestation.
Superb Fairywren
Southeastern Australia from Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, to South Australia and Tasmania.
Conservation Status
Harpy Eagle
Superb Fairywren
How to Tell Them Apart
Harpy Eagle
Slate-black upperparts and head with a pale grey breast and white underparts with black barring. A distinctive split grey crest rises when the bird is alarmed.
Massive dark hooked bill, one of the largest of any eagle
Superb Fairywren
Breeding males have a brilliant violet-blue crown, ear coverts, and mantle with a black throat band. Non-breeding males and females are plain brown with a blue tail.
Fine, pointed, dark bill
About These Birds
Harpy Eagle
The harpy eagle is among the most powerful raptors in the world, with talons as large as a grizzly bear's claws. It is the national bird of Panama. Deforestation poses the greatest threat to this species, as each breeding pair requires a vast territory of undisturbed forest.
Superb Fairywren
The superb fairywren is one of Australia's most beloved and recognizable birds, with breeding males dressed in spectacular violet-blue plumage. These tiny birds live in cooperative family groups where helpers assist the breeding pair in raising young. Males pluck and present yellow flower petals to females as part of courtship.