Wedge Tailed Eagle

Facts

scientific name

Aquila audax

conservation status

Least Concern

weight

3 - 5.8 Kilograms

diet

The Wedge Tailed Eagle hunts rabbits, wallabies, small kangaroos, ground dwelling swamp birds and reptiles.

habitat

The Wedge Tailed Eagle is commonly found throughout Australia and Tasmania, over forest and open country, on plains and mountains.

This magnificent bird can have a wing span of approx 2.5m, making it Australia’s largest bird of prey. The Wedge Tailed Eagle hunts rabbits, wallabies, small kangaroos, ground dwelling swamp birds and reptiles, however this is thought to make up a fairly small portion of their diet. They hunt by high soaring flight, circling on thermal air currents for hundreds of metres. Upon sighting prey, it swoops down, however is often unsuccessful. They feed largely on carrion. They sometimes congregate vulture-like in 20’s and 30’s over carrion, however rarely do more than 2 feed on a carcass at a time; the others stand or perch nearby, waiting their turn or digesting.
The Wedge Tailed Eagle is commonly found throughout Australia and Tasmania, over forest and open country, on plains and mountains.