WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE
Aquila audax
DESCRIPTION
Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) is a large bird of prey native to Australia, known for its distinctive wedge-shaped tail and impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 2.84 meters. This eagle exhibits a dark brown plumage with lighter brown and golden hues on its nape and head, making it a striking sight in the sky. Wedge-tailed Eagles are skilled hunters, often soaring high to spot prey and using their keen eyesight to locate small mammals and birds in their territory.
FUN FACTS
- Wedge-tailed Eagles are one of the largest eagles in the world, with a wingspan that can exceed 2.8 meters, making them a formidable presence in the sky
- They are also known for their impressive aerial displays during courtship, where they perform acrobatic maneuvers and dives to attract mates
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivi
Average Weight3-4 kg
Average Length0.8-1.0 m
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuresolitary or pair, typically seen alone or with a mate during breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonWinter (June-August)
- Habitat
- These eagles inhabit a variety of environments, including open forests, grasslands, and arid regions. They prefer areas with tall trees for nesting and open spaces for hunting.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland, Desert
- Native Range
- Wedge-tailed Eagles are found throughout Australia, including Tasmania and some parts of New Guinea.
- Continent
- Australia
- Countries
- Australia, Papua New Guinea
- Diet
- Wedge-tailed Eagles primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and carrion. They are opportunistic hunters and will scavenge when necessary.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- rabbits, hares, and small marsupials
- Social Structure
- solitary or pair, typically seen alone or with a mate during breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
3-4 kg
Weight
0.8-1.0 m
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown with lighter golden-brown on the head and nape
- Sexual Dimorphism
- females are generally larger than males
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 years in captivi
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Winter (June-August)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Wedge-tailed Eagles is currently stable, with no significant declines reported.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 20,000-30,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to land clearing and collisions with vehicles. They are also occasionally persecuted by farmers who view them as threats to livestock.
- Predators
- Humans, large birds of prey (occasionally), and young eagles may be vulnerable to larger raptors.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Wedge-tailed Eagles use their size and strength to defend their nests and will dive at intruders to scare them away.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon