Australia's largest bird of prey is a resilient generalist with a unique wedge-shaped tail.

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The wedge-tailed eagle is a master of the Australian skies, thriving in environments from arid deserts to dense tropical rainforests. Despite historical persecution, this powerful predator has rebounded in numbers, adapting to human-altered landscapes by capitalizing on invasive species and roadkill, proving itself to be an exceptionally resilient avian survivor.

The wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) is the largest raptor in Australia, distinguished by its iconic wedge-shaped tail, feathered legs, and powerful, elongated beak. While it is a true generalist that hunts various birds and reptiles, it functions primarily as a mammal predator. The introduction of the European rabbit has provided a significant food source, supporting the species alongside its traditional diet of native marsupials and carrion.

First described by John Latham in 1801, the eagle was once classified in its own genus, Uroaetus, though genetic research now places it within the Aquila genus. It shares a close evolutionary relationship with the Gurney's eagle and the Verreaux's eagle. The species exhibits significant sexual dimorphism, with females being notably larger than males, sometimes weighing up to 5.8 kg. Their wingspan is among the largest of any eagle, with a verified record of 2.84 meters.

Breeding pairs typically construct large stick nests in prominent trees, though they are highly sensitive to human interference, which can lead to nest abandonment. Despite past efforts to eradicate them due to perceived threats to sheep, the species has proven remarkably adaptable. They are now widespread across the continent, including Tasmania, where the endemic subspecies A. a. fleayi displays distinct physical characteristics, such as larger talons and darker plumage, compared to its mainland counterparts.

The eagle's flight is characterized by powerful, deep beats and an ability to soar for long periods, even in strong winds. While they appear graceful in the air, they can struggle to maneuver within dense forest canopies. Their vocalizations are notably weak and infrequent, often described as thin whistles, which contrasts with their formidable reputation as one of the world's most powerful avian predators.

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