Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax fleayi
Meet the Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle
Habitat & Range
The Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle is a subspecies of the Wedge-tailed Eagle found only in Tasmania.
These impressive birds use a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands and open landscapes where suitable prey is available.
Large, mature trees are particularly important for breeding. Eagles build enormous nests in sheltered locations high in suitable trees and may return to the same nesting territory over many years.
What's on the Menu?
Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagles are powerful carnivorous birds. Their diet includes mammals and birds, and they will also feed on carrion.
Carrion is an important food source, but feeding near roads can place eagles at risk of being struck by vehicles.
Amazing Adaptations
Wedge-tailed Eagles have exceptional eyesight that allows them to locate food while soaring high above the landscape.
Their broad wings are ideal for soaring on rising currents of warm air, allowing them to cover large distances while using relatively little energy.
Powerful feet, curved talons and a hooked beak are specialised for capturing and feeding on prey.
Did You Know?
The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia's largest bird of prey. Its name comes from the distinctive long, wedge-shaped tail that is particularly noticeable when the bird is soaring overhead.
Behaviour
Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagles are active during the day and spend considerable time soaring over large territories in search of food.
Adult eagles commonly form long-term breeding pairs. During the breeding season they become particularly sensitive to disturbance around their nesting territory.
If disturbed repeatedly, breeding birds may leave a nest, which is why protecting nesting areas from unnecessary disturbance is so important.
Conservation & Threats
The Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle faces a range of threats, including loss and disturbance of nesting habitat.
Collisions with vehicles, power infrastructure and other structures can cause serious injury or death. Eagles can also be harmed by poisoning and other human-related hazards.
Protecting mature nesting trees and minimising disturbance around active nests are important parts of conserving this remarkable Tasmanian raptor.
Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagles at Trowunna
Trowunna provides specialist care for birds of prey that have been injured and are unable to return safely to the wild.
Some of the Wedge-tailed Eagles in Trowunna's care have permanent injuries that mean release is no longer possible. These birds are provided with lifelong care while also helping visitors learn about Tasmania's raptors and the threats they face in the wild.
Whenever rehabilitation and release are possible, returning native wildlife to the wild remains the goal.
How You Can Help
- Slow down when approaching wildlife or carrion on roads.
- Protect mature native trees and known eagle nesting habitat.
- Give nesting eagles plenty of space and avoid disturbing active nest sites.
- Never deliberately feed wild eagles.
- Dispose of waste, fishing line and other potential entanglement hazards responsibly.
- Report injured birds of prey to an appropriate wildlife rescue service.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
Trowunna's birds of prey require calm surroundings and the opportunity to move away from visitors when they choose.
Please do not feed, touch, call to or attempt to interact with the eagles. Keep noise to a minimum around their enclosures and always follow instructions from Trowunna's wildlife keepers.