Wedge-tailed Eagle

1. Long wedge-shaped tail visible even at high altitudes.

2. Wings held in a noticeable V-shape during soaring.

3. Progressive colour change from light brown juveniles to dark adults.

These eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding primarily on rabbits, hares, kangaroos, wallabies, and carrion such as roadkill or livestock carcasses. They can lift prey weighing up to half their body weight and occasionally hunt cooperatively in pairs or small groups to tackle larger animals like adult kangaroos. Monogamous pairs maintain territories year-round and build massive stick nests lined with leaves in tall trees or other elevated locations. Nests can measure up to 2 meters across and weigh over 4 kilograms after years of use. Breeding typically occurs between April and September; females lay 1–2 eggs that hatch after 45 days of incubation.

Wedge-tailed Eagles inhabit nearly all Australian landscapes, including Tasmania and parts of Papua New Guinea. They prefer open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands but avoid dense rainforests and coastal heath. Look for them soaring on thermals during midday or perched on tall trees, poles, or rocky outcrops surveying their territory. They're often seen feeding on roadkill along country roads but tend to be wary of human presence.

The Wedge-tailed Eagle holds significant cultural importance for many Aboriginal peoples. For example, the Kulin Nation of Victoria reveres Bunjil, a creator spirit often depicted as a wedge-tailed eagle, as a protector of the natural world.