Wedge-tailed Eagle

Scientific name: Aquila audax

Conservation Status: Least Concern

GET UP CLOSE TO ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S HIGHEST STRIKING PREDATORS

The Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia’s largest bird of prey, can be found while exploring here at Symbio Wildlife Park. Visitors to Symbio can witness the grace and power of these incredible creatures which are also the most common large eagles in the world. Learn about the important role these apex predators play in the ecosystem and marvel at their impressive hunting skills. Don’t miss your chance to see these iconic birds up close at Symbio Wildlife Park.

ABOUT

Wedge-tailed eagles are the largest bird of prey in Australia and are known for their impressive size and hunting skills. With a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters, they are capable of soaring at great heights and diving at incredible speeds to catch their prey. Wedge-tailed eagles are also known for their monogamous breeding habits, with pairs often staying together for life and building large nests in tall trees or on cliff faces. At Symbio Wildlife Park, we are privileged to care for our wedge-tailed eagles and share their incredible story with visitors, highlighting the vital role they play in Australia’s ecosystems.

DIET

Wedge-tailed eagles are apex predators, and their diet consists mainly of small to medium-sized mammals, such as rabbits, wallabies, and kangaroos. They also feed on reptiles, birds, and carrion. These eagles are skilled hunters and use their keen eyesight to spot their prey from great distances. Once they locate their target, they use their powerful talons to grab and kill it. Wedge-tailed eagles are also known to scavenge and will often feed on carrion or roadkill when other food sources are scarce.

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Fun Facts

Wedge-tailed Eagles are the largest bird of prey in Australia, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters.
These majestic birds can be found throughout mainland Australia, as well as parts of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
They are incredibly skilled hunters and can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph) when diving to catch their prey.
Wedge-tailed Eagles are known for their distinct call, which can be heard from a long distance away. They use this call to communicate with their mate and to defend their territory.
These birds are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from arid deserts to dense forests.
Wedge-tailed Eagles are long-lived birds, with a lifespan of up to 25 years in the wild.
In some indigenous cultures, the Wedge-tailed Eagle is considered a sacred animal and is featured in traditional artwork and Dreamtime stories.
Wedge-tailed Eagles mate for life and will often reuse the same nest each breeding season, adding new material to it each year.
These birds are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, including rabbits, wallabies, and even other birds.
Wedge-tailed Eagles are important apex predators in their ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining balance and biodiversity.