It gets its name from its long, diamond-shaped tail, which makes it easy to recognize even from far away. These eagles have massive wingspans, and when they soar across the sky, they look absolutely majestic. Their dark brown feathers, fierce eyes, and sharp beaks give them a powerful appearance, and they can glide for hours without flapping their wings, riding on warm air currents like expert pilots.

What really sets the wedge-tailed eagle apart is its incredible eyesight. They can spot prey from kilometers away, whether it’s a rabbit, a lizard, or even a small kangaroo. These birds are not picky eaters – they’ll hunt live animals or feed on roadkill and other carrion. They’re also known to work together in pairs or small groups, especially when taking on larger prey or protecting their territory. Despite their size and strength, they can be surprisingly graceful in the air and able to dive at speeds of up to 160 km/h (99 mph) when going after food.

Wedge-tailed eagles build some of the biggest nests of any bird. These nests, made of sticks and leaves, are often found in tall trees or rocky outcrops and can be reused and added to for years. Eagles mate for life, and a pair will often return to the same nesting site each year to raise their chicks. They usually lay one or two eggs, but it’s common for only one chick to survive, as the stronger one often outcompetes the weaker sibling for food.

One fun fact is that wedge-tailed eagles have become an internet star in Australia. Videos show them taking down drones mid-air, mistaking them for threats or prey. These birds are not ones to mess with – even large animals like kangaroos or emus can fall victim if the eagles are hungry or defending their territory.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

2016

Breeding

Indonesia

2016

Breeding

Papua New Guinea

2016

Breeding