Nature holds many precious gems across the world in the form of varied species, across the biodiversity on Earth. However, due to constant urbanisation, and encroachment of forest lands, these unique species are slowly getting outnumbered due to the lack of their ideal surroundings.But this time, in the vast wetlands of Brazil’s Pantanal, a tiny chick that clings to a towering nest is symbolic of the glimmer of hope amid growing threats to wildlife.
World’s largest eagle chick found alive in Brazil’s Pantanal nest (Photo: Canva)
Harpy Eagle’s chick- a ray of hope!
Researchers spotted a living harpy eagle chick in early January 2026 in the Pantanal’s Urucum Massif near Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul. According to the IrishOak news, this is the only known active nest in southern Brazil’s wetlands, and a spot amid forest loss. Biologist Gabriel Oliveira led monitoring, confirming the chick was safe under its mother after years of searches.
Harpy eagles are among the world’s largest raptors
Harpy eagles, also known as Brazil’s “royal eagles,” have a 2.2-meter wingspan and hand-sized talons, ranking among Earth’s largest raptors. Females guard chicks constantly for 60 days, shielding them from weather and foes, before joining hunts as the young grow. Males fledge faster at 1.5 years; females take up to 2.5, making breeding slow and vulnerable to threats like shooting or habitat clearance.
The eagle couples keep changing nests
The eagle pair switches between nests, one spotted in July 2025, the active one by November, to help manage risks. Rated near-threatened in Brazil overall and fully threatened in Mato Grosso do Sul, harpy eagles depend on tall, mature trees for their huge nests and prey like sloths in the canopy. Deforestation for soy fields or cattle ranching quickly destroys both their food sources and nesting spots.Icterus Ecoturismo and Planeta Aves, specialised Brazilian organisations focused on birdwatching, wildlife tourism, and scientific conservation, captured images of the chick on guided birdwatching tours, raising public awareness. Strict guidelines ensure safety, like using only long lenses, skipping drones entirely, limiting visit times, and relying on trained guides to watch for stress signals. The goal is to grow ecotourism as a positive outlook, without risking harm, and position this chick as a star attraction for the Pantanal.
Sightings have been rare so far!
For over a decade, harpy eagle sightings in the Pantanal have been rare since 2012, but this nest now provides an important spot to study breeding habits. It also impacts local decisions, like reducing logging around ridges, and challenges old beliefs that eagles threaten livestock. If the chick lives long, it could spread to nearby areas, helping offset losses in regions like the Chaco or Amazon.
What will the future look like
Once fledged, the chick will navigate ranches, towns, and power lines in search of its own territory. Continuous monitoring will show if the Pantanal supports steady breeding pairs or just occasional visitors.
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