Each month, the visitors to our museum choose the exhibit that impressed them the most. For September, the one that stood out was the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax), also known as the Australian Eagle.

The Wedge-tailed Eagle is the largest bird of prey in Australia. It takes its name from the distinctive wedge shape of its tail. It is found across Oceania and parts of Southeast Asia. With a wingspan that can exceed 2.3 meters and a body length of about one meter, it is considered one of the largest eagles in the world. The largest individual ever recorded had a wingspan of 2.84 meters! Its plumage varies in shade from dark brown to almost black, while younger birds have lighter tones and noticeable streaks on their feathers.

This species is remarkably adaptable. It inhabits open forests, savannas, grasslands, desert fringes, mountain meadows, and areas with low vegetation, and can even be observed near towns, villages, and grazing lands. It builds its nest in tall trees with a good view of the surroundings, and its nests can reach 2–5 meters in depth and width.

The Wedge-tailed Eagle feeds on small reptiles, birds, and mammals, sometimes even on young kangaroos, and often scavenges on carrion. There have been reports of individuals attacking drones, paragliders, or small aircraft when they perceive them as intruders in their territory.

It is a monogamous species, with pairs remaining together for many years—often for life. The breeding season extends from July to December, depending on the region. The female usually lays two eggs, which both parents incubate. The eaglets hatch after about 45 days and rely entirely on their parents for food for the first six months.

Today, the population of the Wedge-tailed Eagle is stable or even slightly increasing, and the species is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).


In the photo, you can see a Wedge-tailed Eagle from the Museum’s collection.


4/10/2025