Wedge Tailed Eagle

The Wedge-Tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) is an iconic and majestic raptor that holds a significant place in Australia's natural heritage. As the largest bird of prey on the continent, it commands awe and admiration from all who encounter it. It has a lifespan of 11 to 40 years and can be found in grasslands, savannas, forests, highlands, and woodlands in Australia and New Guinea.

The distinctive appearance of the Wedge-Tailed Eagle sets it apart from other avian species. Its bronze-white feathers, creamy white beak, and striking blackish-brown body give it a regal and commanding presence. What truly makes this eagle easily recognizable are its powerful legs, which are covered in feathers, and its distinctive wedge-shaped tail.

Being a carnivore, it eats kangaroos, koalas, birds, lizards, rabbits, and hares. This bird has the ability to fly continuously at 50 mph for 90 minutes. This species generally constructs a large stick nest in an ample tree, normally the largest in a stand, and lays typically two, although sometimes 1 to 4, eggs. Usually, breeding efforts manage to produce one or two fledglings, which after a few months more tend to disperse widely.

With its majestic presence, impressive flight capabilities, and crucial role in the Australian ecosystem, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle remains an emblematic and treasured symbol of Australia's natural heritage.