HARPY or HARPY-EAGLE, a large diurnal bird of prey, so named after the mythological monsters (see HARPIES). This bird, Thrasaetus harpyia, inhabits America from south Mexico to Brazil. Its flight is slow and heavy, but it possesses an enormous bill and powerful talons. Except for a pectoral band, the head and lower parts are white ; the upper parts are dark grey, banded with black, the wings dusky, the tail barred. On the head is an erectile crest. Its nearest allies are the eagles. See picture next page.