Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Scientific name definitions

81–104 cm; male 2025–4030 (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) g, larger female 3050–5300 (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) g; wingspan 182–232 cm (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ). Large , mostly black (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) Aquila; tail shape unique within genus; also has relatively small flat head, long neck and wings, and baggy-feathered tarsi (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ). Distinguished from A. gurneyi by rufous nape , tail shape and cream-coloured to pale yellowish feet. Juvenile extensively brown and gold on upperparts; distinguished from juvenile A. gurneyi by dark underparts and tail shape. Race fleayi has heavier feet and claws; adults have pale nape, and lack rufous in plumage.

Formerly placed in monospecific genus Uroaetus, but clearly related to other Aquila. Has been considered closely related to A. chrysaetos, and possibly also to A. gurneyi. Two subspecies recognized.

Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Over most terrestrial habitats, from sea level up to 2000 m, but avoids areas of dense human population, e.g. cities, intensive agriculture. Occupies open forest, woodland, scrub, savanna, plains and deserts, typically in rough or remote country; avoids dense rain forest. Nests in all wooded habitats, including monsoon rain forest (2 Woinarski, J. C. Z. (1993). A cut-and-paste community: birds of monsoon rainforests in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. Emu 93(2):100–120. Close ), provided distant from human activity.

Breeding adults sedentary, except in arid zone when forced to move by severe drought, and in highest parts of New South Wales, e.g. Snowy Mts, where apparently vacates snow-covered alpine zone in winter (3 Osborne, W.S. and Green, K. (1992). Seasonal changes in composition, abundance and foraging behaviour of birds in the Snowy Mountains. Emu 92(2):93–105. Close ). Juveniles dispersive, commonly wandering off 200 km and up to 850 (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) km, but some remain, or return to nest area; movement often follows ridges or valleys.

Mammals, birds, reptiles and carrion  . In S prefers rabbits and hares, in N young kangaroos and wallabies (Macropus); other mammals more rarely captured include bandicoots (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ), lamb, goat kid, cat, fox, young dog and spiny echidna (Tachyglossus). There are records of hunting full-grown males of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) (4 Fuentes, E. and Olsen, J. (2015). Observations of the killing of large macropods by Wedge-tailed Eagles Aquila audax. Australian Field Ornithology. 32(3): 160–166. Close ). Birds commonly include Corvus, cockatoos (Cacatua) and waterfowl , rarely up to size of crane and bustard. Reptiles commonly include dragons (Agamidae) and monitors (Varanus), rarely snakes. Carrion mainly important during non-breeding season (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ). Forages by low, slow quartering, high soaring or still hunting from perch . Seizes prey on ground or sometimes in tree canopy, after swift, stealthy glide or dive which may become short chase; rarely takes prey in flight. Occasionally removes mammals such as possums (Trichosurus) from tree hollows. Pairs or groups attack large prey co-operatively, exceptionally a group of 15 hunting a Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus), although only two birds ever attacked simultaneously (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ). Gathers (mainly immatures, typically up to 12, exceptionally 40) (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) at carcasses of large animals, where dominates smaller scavengers; occasionally robs other predators.

Only really vocal during aerial displays and near nest; gives thin high-pitched whistle followed by weak descending "see-tyu", and various other weak whistles, yelps and squeals, all of which sound lower and harsher in females (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ).

Apr–Sept (peak laying Jul–Aug) (5 Olsen, P. D., and T. G. Marples (1993). Geographic variation in egg size, clutch size and date of laying of Australian raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes). Emu 93:167–179. Close ); sometimes earlier (Jan–Feb) in tropical N Australia, but mainly from May in New Guinea (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ). Solitary. Large platform of sticks typically 70–90 cm wide, 30–80 cm deep, lined with green leaves; may become 250 (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) cm wide, 400 (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) cm deep with repeated use. Usually built in live or dead tree with commanding view, 2–73 m (typically 12–30 m) (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) above ground in tallest available tree, though often near ground in remote deserts; typically on rise or hillside. Also occasionally on cliff ledges, or among rocks, and even on ground on islands, in areas inaccessible to humans. Usually 2 eggs (1–3), rarely 4; usually 1 in Tasmania; occasionally produces runt eggs within normal clutch, a phenomenon apparently unusual among Australian raptors (5 Olsen, P. D., and T. G. Marples (1993). Geographic variation in egg size, clutch size and date of laying of Australian raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes). Emu 93:167–179. Close ). Subspecies fleayi lays larger eggs (5 Olsen, P. D., and T. G. Marples (1993). Geographic variation in egg size, clutch size and date of laying of Australian raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes). Emu 93:167–179. Close ). Incubation 42–48 days in wild (slightly less in captivity); chicks have white down; fledging 70 (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close )–95 days; post-fledging dependence of up to 6 months. Sexual maturity at 3 years; will pair in immature plumage though seldom breeds before adult plumage at 7 (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ) years. Oldest ringed bird 9 years; longevity 40 years in captivity. Success varies regionally: in SW Australia, 0·7–1·2 young fledged per clutch laid, 0·19–0·46 young per pair per year; in SE Australia, 0·9–1·5 young per clutch laid, 0·6–1·0 young per pair per year; in Tasmania, 0·8 young per clutch laid, 1·07 per successful nest. During periods of drought in W Australia may forgo breeding for up to 4 years (1 Ferguson-Lees, J., and D. A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. Christopher Helm, London, UK. Close ).

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). CITES II. Widespread and common on Australian mainland, despite formerly intense persecution for supposed impact on domestic stock (now shown to be negligible). Local declines in S through habitat disturbance in heavily settled and farmed areas, because intolerance to human activity leads to nest abandonment; has benefited elsewhere from thinning of tree cover, introduction of rabbit and provision of abundant carrion. Eggshell thickness not significantly reduced by DDT (6 Olsen, P. D., P. Fuller, and T. G. Marples (1993). Pesticide-related eggshell thinning in Australian raptors. Emu 93:1–11. Close ); still subject to illegal shooting and poisoning. Isolated Tasmanian race endangered, because range and population small (60–80 breeding pairs) and has more specific habitat requirements; less tolerant of habitat alteration around nest site.