Wedge Tailed Eagle from neck up looking to the left with blurred background.

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Check out Australia Zoo’s Wedge-tailed Eagle!

Introducing the king of the Australian skies – the epic wedge-tailed eagle. Here at Australia Zoo, you can get up close and personal with these impressive raptors at our very own Birds of Prey habitat.

 

Wedge Tailed Eagle from chest up looking to the right with green trees in background.

 

Wedge-tailed eagles are found all over mainland Australia and into Tasmania. They are the largest flying raptor in Australia and the fourth largest in the world.

 

These birds of prey are powerful, carnivorous hunters! Their keen eyes are capable of spotting their next meal from up to 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) away. They will often prey upon rodents, reptiles and rabbits, however, an adult wedge-tailed eagle is capable of taking down prey as large as juvenile kangaroos. Crikey!

 

Wedge Tailed Eagle standing on the arm of a zoo guest.

 

These incredible birds have a third transparent eyelid, called a nictitating membrane. This is used as a pair of safety goggles as they grab their unsuspecting prey with their powerful talons!

 

Wedge Tailed Eagle looking over their shoulder showing wing feathers.

 

These impressive birds can weigh up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) and have a wingspan of over 2 metres (6.5 feet)! They will mate for life and can live for up to 50 years! Unfortunately, they frequently fall victim to hunting from farmers, secondary poisoning and car strikes. Keep your eyes peeled throughout Australia as these raptors are a spectacular sight to see! They are considered a species of least concern.

  • Class of animal icon
    Class

    Aves

  • Genus of animal icon
    Genus

    Aquila

  • Species of animal icon
    Species

    audax

  • height of animal icon
    Height

    Up to 1 metre

  • weight of animal icon
    Weight

    Up to 5.3 kilograms

  • diet of animal icon
    Diet

    Carnivore

  • gestation of animal icon
    Incubation

    45 days