2015 Bonanza Bird #6: Wedge-tailed Eagle

Today our Birdorable Bonanza: 2015 Advent Edition continues with the largest bird of prey found in Australia, the Wedge-tailed Eagle!

Birdorable Wedge-tailed Eagle

Wedge-tailed Eagles are named for the unique shape of their tails. Across their range, which includes all of mainland Australia as well as Tasmania and southern New Guinea, they are fairly common. In fact, they are the most common of the world's large eagle species.

Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax)
Wedge-tailed Eagle by Ron Knight (CC BY 2.0)

Wedge-tailed Eagle
Wedge-tailed Eagle by James Niland (CC BY 2.0)

Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax)
Wedge-tailed Eagle by Patrick_K59 (CC BY 2.0)

Wedge-tailed Eagles are non-migratory and established mated pairs will defend their territory throughout the year, even outside of breeding season. Earlier this year a territorial Wedge-tailed Eagle was captured on video taking down a drone.

 

 

The Wedge-tailed Eagle is our 622nd Birdorable bird and our 44th cute Birdorable bird of prey. Our Bonanza continues tomorrow with an unusual Asian forest species with fire in its name. Can you guess tomorrow's species?

Cute Wedge-tailed Eagle Gifts

Comments

???c????? ????? (White-throated Sparrow) on December 6, 2015 at 11:41 AM wrote:
GOT IT RIGHT 3 DAYS IN A ROW HECK YEA! Um... I'm not sure... Maybe a Flameback woodpecker?
Birdorable (Arthur) on December 6, 2015 at 1:57 PM wrote:
No, it's not a woodpecker again. It actually has the word "fire" right in the name.
Spurwing Plover on December 11, 2015 at 7:15 PM wrote:
I also beleive their named Eaglehawk as well
Louise Warner on February 21, 2017 at 4:11 PM wrote:
looks like i seen it...but when???
Birder on December 17, 2020 at 11:26 PM wrote:
maybe a fire tufted barbet?

Leave a comment

Comments with links or HTML will be deleted. Your comment will be published pending approval.
Your email address will not be published
You can unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy. By clicking submit below, you consent to allow Birdorable to store and process the personal information submitted above to provide you the content requested.

Crane Festivals

It's Crane Week! You may be wondering where you can find cranes. There are cranes on every continent except for South America and Antarctica. With their elaborate mating dances, haunting calls, impressive size, and epic migrations, cranes are celebrated all around...

2019 Bonanza Bird #9: Bananaquit

Today's new bird is a warbler-like species found across much of South America, the Bananaquit! Bananaquits can be recognized by their curved bills, and their plumage, which is a mix of grey, yellow, and white. Their white eyebrow stripe is distinctive. Across their...

Baby Birdorable: Wattled Crane for Crane Week

It's Crane Week, so how about a crane edition of our Baby Birdorable series to celebrate? If you think our Birdorable birds are cute as adults, what about when they are babies? Wattled Cranes are found in Africa, south of the Sahara. They raise their chicks near wetlands...

Fun Facts About Migratory Birds for World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day is a global celebration of one of the most incredible natural phenomena: bird migration. Each year bird migration is celebrated in the spring and fall. This fall, World Migratory Bird Day is today, October 12, 2024. This is a great opportunity to learn...