Wedge-tailed Eagle

The Wedge-tailed Eagle is the largest bird of prey in Australia and one of the largest eagles in the world by wingspan. Found across the entire Australian continent and southern New Guinea, it is a dark, uniformly plumaged eagle whose most distinctive feature is its long, wedge- or diamond-shaped tail, unique among Australian raptors.

Adults are blackish-brown overall, with a paler golden-brown nape that becomes more pronounced with age. The legs are fully feathered down to the toes, a trait shared with other true eagles of the genus Aquila. Juveniles are more uniformly rufous-brown and gradually darken as they mature over several years.

Key field marks

• Long, wedge- or diamond-shaped tail, unlike any other Australian raptor
• Very large size with broad wings often held in a shallow V while soaring
• Overall dark blackish-brown plumage, with a paler golden nape in adults
• Fully feathered legs down to the toes

Similar species

The Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) is much smaller with a shorter, rounded tail. The Black-breasted Buzzard has a shorter tail and different flight silhouette. The distinctive long wedge-shaped tail is the most reliable feature separating this species from all other Australian raptors, even at great distance.

Range

The Wedge-tailed Eagle occurs throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania, and southern New Guinea, making it one of the most widespread large raptors in the region.

Habitat

It uses nearly every habitat type available, from arid deserts and open grasslands to eucalypt woodland, forest edges, and even alpine areas, generally favoring open country where it can hunt and scavenge effectively.

Migration

The species is largely sedentary and resident, though birds in arid interior regions may move nomadically in response to fluctuating prey availability, particularly after rabbit or wallaby population booms.

Hunting and feeding

Wedge-tailed Eagles soar for hours on thermals while scanning for prey, hunting live animals such as rabbits, wallabies, and other mammals, as well as birds and reptiles. They are also prolific scavengers, readily feeding on carrion including roadkill.

Voice

They are relatively quiet birds, giving thin, high-pitched whistling or yelping calls mainly near the nest or during territorial disputes.

Nesting and breeding

Pairs mate for life and build enormous stick nests in tall trees, reused and added to over many years until some nests become massive structures. They defend large territories and perform spectacular soaring and diving aerial displays during courtship.