With a wingspan of between 2 and 3 metres, and weighing up to 13 kilograms the Haast’s eagle is the largest eagle ever to have existed in the world. It is thought to have been heavier in relation to wing size than any of the eagles alive today. From its skeleton it appears related to the the Little Eagle of Australia (Hieraaetus morphnoides), and there is evidence that its wings were comparitively short and its legs stronger than those of other eagles.The size and strength of its legs and talons indicate that it was an effective and active predator, able to kill very large prey.
Its largest claws were as much as 9cm long making them as large as those of a tiger! Sadly the colour of its plumage is pure speculation. There have been fanciful reconstructions giving the bird a crest and colourful plumage similar to the ornate hawk eagle Spizaetus ornatus which like many tropical birds is more brightly coloured than temperate forms. However, most New Zealand birds are not brightly coloured and most experts agree that it is most likely to have been a more sombre brown or brownish-grey similar to the other very large forest eagles found around the world today.
What other names does the Haast's eagle have?
Scientists call it: Harpagornis moorei
Maori knew it as: Hikioi or Pouakai – the old glutton. Although it is unclear whether Pakeha and other settlers encountered the Haast’s eagle, those that did probably barely had the chance to run away – let alone give it a name!
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