Australia is home to several eagle species, majestic birds of prey that command the skies across the continent’s diverse landscapes. These powerful raptors are an integral part of Australia’s natural environment, adapted to a wide range of habitats. Their presence highlights the rich biodiversity found within the country.
Australian Eagle Species
The Wedge-tailed Eagle, Aquila audax, is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the largest eagles globally, known for its long, wedge-shaped tail and impressive size. Adults display dark brownish-black plumage, with younger birds appearing lighter brown and gradually darkening over their first decade. Females are larger than males, weighing between 3.0 to 5.8 kg, while males range from 2 to 4 kg.
The White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster, is Australia’s second-largest eagle, identified by its contrasting white head, breast, and underparts, set against dark grey wings and back. Its wings are broader and more rounded than the Wedge-tailed Eagle, lacking feathers on its lower legs. The Little Eagle, Hieraaetus morphnoides, is a much smaller eagle, roughly the size of a peregrine falcon, characterized by a pale broken ‘M’ shape across its upperparts and a pale M-shaped band on its underwing. Its plumage varies from light to dark brown, and females are larger than males.
Where Australian Eagles Reside
The Wedge-tailed Eagle, highly adaptable, is found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania, and southern New Guinea. This species thrives in most terrestrial habitats, including deserts, semi-deserts, plains, mountainous regions, and open woodlands, avoiding dense rainforests and coastal heaths. They soar at altitudes up to 2000 meters or perch conspicuously on trees or telegraph poles.
The White-bellied Sea-Eagle resides in coastal and near-coastal areas of Australia, including Tasmania, and extends inland along major rivers and wetlands, such as the Murray Darling Basin. These eagles are seen near large bodies of water, including bays, inlets, estuaries, lakes, and swamps, where they find aquatic prey. The Little Eagle prefers open woodlands and forested lands, extending into arid zones, and avoids dense rainforests. They are found in areas with tree-lined watercourses and open country, using trees as vantage points for hunting.
Notable Characteristics and Habits
Wedge-tailed Eagles possess exceptional eyesight, spotting prey from great distances. They are powerful predators, hunting individually, in pairs, or in larger groups to take down prey as large as kangaroos, though rabbits often form a significant part of their diet. These eagles consume carrion, such as roadkill, helping clean the environment.
Wedge-tailed Eagles construct large stick nests, measuring up to 2 meters across and 3 meters deep, weighing over 400 kg. These nests are built in the tallest trees and reused for many years, with new material added each season. White-bellied Sea-Eagles also build substantial stick nests, reaching 3.5 meters deep, in trees, on cliffs, or on the ground where suitable trees are absent. Both parents participate in nest construction, incubation, and raising their young, laying one to three eggs per clutch.