John Swatsley (American, B. 1937) "Harpy Eagle" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Official Mail stamp issued May 9, 1995. The Harpy Eagle is one of the world's strongest birds of prey. There are few birds about which there has been as much discussion since their discovery as this mighty raptor of the South American jungles. The harpy eagle does not live in the interior of great forests but on the edges, on river shores and in forested mountain valleys. The hunting flight of the harpy eagle is stimulated by sounds, such as the contact calls of a flock of capuchin monkeys or the calls of ara parrots clamoring in a thicket. Outside the breeding season, the partners hunt in separate territories and only meet again in the nest territory for courtship. The nest territory extends 90 meters from the nest in all directions. The male, after it has relinquished its prey, is immediately chased out of the area by the female. South American Indians often take harpy eagles from the nest and keep them captive in order to easily obtain the valued feathers. The feathers are an important object of exchange, allowing successful hunters to obtain everything needed for living. Image Size: 8 x 9.5 in. Overall Size: 18 x 20.5 in. Unframed. (B09492)