An extinct giant eagle from New Zealand that hunted large flightless birds and may have preyed on early humans.
From Greek 'harpazein' (to snatch) and 'ornis' (bird), literally 'snatching bird.' This scientific name perfectly captures the eagle's hunting behavior and predatory nature.
Harpagornis was a 3-meter wingspan terror that ruled New Zealand's skies until around 1400 CE—Māori legends of the 'Pouākai' divine eagle are likely cultural memories of encounters with these powerful predators.
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