A range of teacher professional learning programs will be developed to accompany the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains online outreach...
Photo(s):
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax
Aquila audax
Breeds June-October. They are monogamous and mate for life. Established breeding pairs are territorial and will occupy the same area, defending their nest site from other Wedge-tailed Eagles and other intruders. The nest is a huge structure made from sticks, generally constructed in a tree fork or limb.
| Details | Description |
| Type | Bird |
| Group | Raptor |
| Identifying Characteristics | |
| Distinctive Markings | Observed overhead, very dark underside with a pale line at the base of the flight feathers along the underwing. Very distinctive wedge-shaped tail. |
| Diet | Carnivore. Feeds on live prey and carrion. Live prey includes mostly rabbits and hares, however lizards, mammals and other birds may also be eaten. Carrion and roadkill is often a source of food. |
| Habitat | Forests to treeless plains. |
| Native Status | Native to Australia |
| Sounds | Calls in the breeding season or overhead "tsIET-you, tsIET-you". A yelping sound may also be heard. |
| Taxonomy | |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | audax |
Mainland Australia and Tasmania.
Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.
Source: Atlas of Living Australia
| Conservation Status | |
| DEPI Advisory List | Not listed |
| FFG Act | Not listed |
| EPBC Act | Not listed |
The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.
