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Also called Eaglehawk (an inappropriate name considering that the bird is the fourth largest eagle in the world) the Wedge Tailed Eagle's scientific name is derived from the Latin terms 'aquila' meaning eagle and 'audax' meaning bold. The Wedge Tailed Eagle is found throughout Australia generally and in Tasmania. It frequents both timbered country and open plains and is usually observed singly or in pairs soaring high on motionless wings, but nevertheless travelling with rapidity. It is capable of impressive bursts of speed in attacking a victim. The bird has a bad reputation as a lamb-killer in some districts, but rabbits and carrion are the most important items of its diet. It also preys on young dingos, marsupials, and birds such as Galahs. |  |
 | The female is larger than the male. A very large nest is built, measuring up to two and a half metres across. The nest, situated high in a tall, isolated tree so that the sitting bird has a clear view
of the surrounding country, is usually composed of sticks and lined with soft bark and leaves. New green leaves are constantly added when young are in the nest. One or two, occasionally three eggs are laid. They are white or light buff and are often spotted or blotched with lavender and dull red. The breeding season is usually in June and July, but seasonal conditions occasionally make this earlier or later. |
Neville W. Cayley's 'What Bird is That' - 1931.
Australia's Wilderness Heritage - Flora & Fauna, 1988.
The Wedge Tailed Eagle is featured on the following Australian coins:
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