Aquila audax

The Wedge-tailed Eagle can have a wingspan up to 2.3 m, a characteristic long, wedge-shaped tail, and legs that are feathered all the way to the base of the toes Females (4.2 kg – 5.3 kg) are larger and heavier than males (3.2 kg up to 4.0 kg). Wedge-tailed Eagles are Australia’s largest raptors (birds of prey).

Distribution

Wedge-tails are found throughout Australia and southern New Guinea.

Habitat

Found in almost all habitats, though they tend to be more common in lightly timbered and open country.

Diet

Wedge-tailed Eagles eat both live prey and carrion. Their diet reflects the available prey, but the most important live items are rabbits and hares. Other food items include lizards, birds and mammals.

Social Interaction

Wedge-tailed Eagles are monogamous and apparently mate for life. If one bird of a pair is killed, the survivor will find a new mate. Established breeding pairs are territorial and live in the one area throughout the year, defending around their nest sites from other Wedge-tailed Eagles.

Conservation Status

Conservation dependent