| Latin Name |
Aquila audax |
| Conservation Status |
Least Concern |
| Location
| Australia, Tasmania & S New Guinea |
| Colour |
Brown |
| Length |
81 - 100 cms (32 - 39 inches) |
| Wingspan |
1.8 - 2.3 m (5.9 - 7.5 ft) |
| Weight |
2 - 5.5 Kgs (4.5 - 12 lbs) |
| Life Expectancy |
- |
Main Characteristics
Wedge-Tailed Eagles are Australia's largest birds of prey. They have a body length between 81 and 100 cms (32 - 39 inches), a wingspan between 1.8 and 2.3 m (5.9 - 7.5 ft) and they weigh between 2 and 5.5 kgs (4.5 - 12 lbs).
They have dark brown plumage and a long, graduated tail that is unique to this species.
Habitat
Wedge-Tailed Eagles can be found in Australia, Tasmania and south New Guinea.
Diet
Wedge-Tailed Eagles feed on other birds, rabbits and carrion.
Breeding
Wedge-Tailed Eagles usually nest in trees and they line their nest with leaves. The female lays two eggs which are incubated by both parents. After approximately 45 days the eggs hatch.
The young eagles depend on their parents for food for up to 6 months and they only leave their territory when the next breeding season approaches.
Predators
Adult Wedge-Tailed Eagles have no natural predators but eggs and nestlings are preyed upon by other eagles, members of the crow family and currawongs.
Subspecies
There are two subspecies of the Wedge-Tailed Eagle:
Aquila audax audax
Tasmanian Wedge-Tailed Eagle
Aquila audax fleayi
Interesting Facts
Wedge-Tailed Eagles are also known as:
Eaglehawk
|
