Wedge-tailed Eagle

Images ©:

Wedge-tailed Eagle - The State of Victoria, Department of Environment and Primary Industries/McCann | Wedge-tailed Eagle - Bob Winters | Wedge-tailed Eagle - Bob Winters | Wedge-tailed Eagle - Bob Winters | Wedge-tailed Eagle - Bob Winters

Aquila audax

Male 90 cm-1.1 m. Female larger. A large dark coloured eagle with a light bill, wingspan up to 2.8 m, fully feathered legs and a long wedge shaped tail. Older males are almost black with red-brown hackles on the nape and a tawny band across the wing. Younger and immature are browner in colour.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Raptor
Biology

Breeds June-October. They are monogamous and mate for life. Established breeding pairs are territorial and will occupy the same area, defending their nest site from other Wedge-tailed Eagles and other intruders. The nest is a huge structure made from sticks, generally constructed in a tree fork or limb.

Distinctive Markings

Observed overhead, very dark underside with a pale line at the base of the flight feathers along the underwing. Very distinctive wedge-shaped tail.

Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Falconiformes
Family
Accipitridae
Genus
Aquila
Species
audax
Mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia's largest bird of prey.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Feeds on live prey and carrion. Live prey includes mostly rabbits and hares, however lizards, mammals and other birds may also be eaten. Carrion and roadkill is often a source of food.

Habitat

Forests to treeless plains.

Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Audio samples
Sounds
Calls in the breeding season or overhead "tsIET-you, tsIET-you". A yelping sound may also be heard.