Aquila audax

(Latham, 1801)

Vernacular names
English : Wedge-tailed eagle
French : Aigle d’Australie

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : 2 subspecies known.

Identification
Species grows to 1 m in body length, wingspan of 2.30 m and weight up to 4 kg. Large eagle with a very powerful silvery grey bill. Tail shape unique for an eagle. Plumage black to brown-black, rufous-brown nape and spotting on wings.

Range and habitat
The species occurs throughout Australia and southern New Guinea. Another subspecies occurs in Tasmania. Lives in open forests, woodlands, grasslands and deserts, to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is still locally common in the wild. Declines noted when disturbances from human activities occur. Tasmanian subspecies endangered.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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