Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax
Description
The “Wedgie” is a true giant of the sky and holds the title of Australia’s largest bird of prey.
Size: They are massive, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2.3 metres (over 7.5 feet). Females are generally larger than males, weighing upwards of 5kg.
Appearance: Adults are a striking dark brown to black. If you spot a lighter, reddish-brown bird, it is likely a juvenile; they darken progressively as they age, taking about ten years to reach full adult plumage.
Key Features: As the name suggests, their long, diamond-shaped tail is unmistakable in silhouette. They also have “trousers”, legs that are feathered all the way down to the toes.
Range
These eagles are incredibly adaptable and are found right across mainland Australia, Tasmania, and southern New Guinea. You will see them soaring over almost every type of habitat, from open plains and alpine mountains to forests and coastal fringes.
On the Menu
They are powerful hunters and opportunistic scavengers.
Carrion: They are nature’s clean-up crew and are frequently seen feeding on roadkill (often kangaroos) along rural highways.
Live Prey: Their diet includes rabbits, hares, and lizards.
Teamwork: In a fascinating display of intelligence, they have been known to hunt cooperatively in groups to take down much larger prey, such as adult kangaroos, by isolating a single animal.
Interesting Facts
High Flyers: Using thermal currents, they can soar to altitudes of nearly 2,000 metres (6,500 ft), often staying aloft for hours without flapping a wing.
Territorial Tech-Haters: They are fiercely territorial and don’t discriminate against technology. There are numerous reports of Wedgies attacking drones and even paragliders that enter their airspace!
Cultural Icon: For the Kulin nation of central Victoria, the eagle is Bunjil, the creator spirit who formed the land and the people.
Below: Wedge-tailed Eagles at Ballarat, Victoria.
Thanks Steve, what an amazing bird! You reminded me - about a decade ago, Simon Cherriman gave a talk in the Blue Mts where we were living at the time. He was doing his PhD (in WA) on eagles and had made a documentary which was SPECTACULAR - not sure if it's still available.. but his project involved putting trackers on eagles to see their range, altitude, etc. He found one bird soaring at an altitude of 6.5 kms! not sure if that is still the record.. Also I've been lucky to see 3 of these magnificent creatures standing on the ground, devouring prey, about 2 m off the road up in the northern Flinders! Thanks for the post and reminder of our precious wildlife. :-))