The wedge-tailed eagle also known as the eaglehawk, is the largest bird of prey in the continent of Australia. It is also found in southern New Guinea to the north and is distributed as far south as the state of Tasmania. Adults of the species have long, broad wings, fully feathered legs, an unmistakable wedge-shaped tail, an elongated upper mandible, a strong beak and powerful feet. The wedge-tailed eagle is one of 12 species of large, predominantly dark-coloured booted eagles in the genus Aquila found worldwide. Genetic research has clearly indicated that the wedge-tailed eagle is fairly closely related to other, generally large members of the Aquila genus. A large brown-to-black bird of prey, it has a maximum reported wingspan of 2.84 m and a length of up to 1.06 m.
Region
Australia and southern New Guinea
Typical Environment
The wedge-tailed eagle occupies most of mainland Australia, Tasmania, and reaches into southern New Guinea. It favors open and semi-open habitats including woodlands, savannas, shrublands, pastoral country, and arid rangelands. It also uses montane slopes and coastal cliffs where updrafts aid soaring. Dense rainforest and heavily built-up urban cores are generally avoided, though it may traverse these areas while dispersing. Nests are large stick platforms built high in trees or on cliffs when trees are scarce.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the eaglehawk, the wedge-tailed eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey, instantly recognized by its long, wedge-shaped tail and broad soaring wings. It rides thermals for hours and can reach exceptional wingspans, with rare reports up to 2.84 m. An apex predator and important scavenger, it helps control rabbit populations and cleans carrion. Once persecuted, it is now protected across Australia.
An adult wedge-tailed eagle at Lake Burrumbeet in flight, notably dark and blackish colour
A young wedge-tailed eagle perched in Birdsville Track with an unusual amount of pale colour showing due likely to moult
A. a. fleayi, mobbed by forest ravens in Tasmania
In flight, the wedged tail is clearly visible.
A wedge-tailed eagle foraging on the ground
Captive specimen at Symbio Wildlife Park, New South Wales, Australia. Note the massive, pale bill and cere.
A juvenile in the Northern Territory, notable for paler areas on the wing coverts and nape as well as for a browner overall hue
A wedge-tailed eagle seen over well-wooded environments around Kergunyah
Wedge-tailed eagles favor varied environments, mostly those with some leafy trees and rocky areas, but can be seen in a great variety of habitats.
Taking off from its perch, the long legs of this adult female are clearly visible.
A wedge-tailed eagle standing on roadkill carcass of kangaroo in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
Cannibalizing a wedge-tailed eagle roadkill, killed when itself was feeding on a kangaroo roadkill
Wedge-tailed eagles are disproportionately likely to be seen eating carrion of roadkills (killed by cars). In the wild they often capture live prey. They often tolerate sharing carrion with other scavengers, such as ravens, despite them being prey species as well.
A wedge-tailed eagle feeding
A raven mobbing a wedge-tailed eagle, the latter being an opportunistic predator of many birds
Being the largest and most powerful Australian raptor, wedge-tailed eagles are dominant over other raptor species of the region.
A wedge-tailed eagle nest in Barmah National Park
Nest in a leopardwood tree at Mutawintji National Park
Aquila audax egg – MHNT
Two chicks in the nest
A wedge-tailed eagle at Lake Burrumbeet, Victoria
A wedge-tailed eagle killed during times of heavy persecution, Queensland, c. 1910
A threatened Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle seen in silhouette alongside a forest raven
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Pairs maintain large territories and often form long-term bonds, refurbishing the same stick nests over years. Clutches are usually 1–2 eggs, with typically a single chick fledging; both adults provision the young. Juveniles disperse widely before settling, sometimes traveling hundreds of kilometers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet, it gives high, thin whistles, yelps, and repeated piping calls, most often near the nest or during territorial displays. Calls carry over long distances but are less frequent during soaring hunts. Vocalizations are sharper and more insistent during breeding.
