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WoodlandPlatform nestHuge · 3.4 kg
ID tip
Wedge-tailed eagles are large birds with a characteristically black appearance, although they can appear tar to charcoal brown, depending on lighting and individual variation. They have large bills but possess relatively smaller and flatter heasd, with a long, almost vulturine neck. Furthermore, they are distinctive for their prominent carpals and baggy feathered trousers. The species tends to perch conspicuously on dead trees, telegraph poles, rocks or, at times, the open ground. Between the bill size, elongated shape and prominent shoulders, the species is highly distinctive. Voice: Wedge-tailed eagles are not well known for its vocalization nor are they often heard. They may be silent for long stretches of time, possibly months, at least outside of breeding season. When vocalizations have been documented, it usually only near the nest and in aerial display, and can be hard to hear unless at close range.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Wedge-tailed Eagle
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Wedge-tailed Eagle
The map shades 2 countries with regular records, and 1 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Indonesia.
About the Wedge-tailed Eagle
The wedge-tailed eagle is the largest bird of prey in the continent of Australia. It is also found in southern New Guinea to the north and is distributed as far south as the state of Tasmania. Adults of the species have long, broad wings, fully feathered legs, an unmistakable wedge-shaped tail, an elongated upper mandible, a strong beak and powerful feet. The wedge-tailed eagle is one of 12 species of large, predominantly dark-coloured booted eagles in the genus Aquila found worldwide. Genetic research has clearly indicated that the wedge-tailed eagle is fairly closely related to other, generally large members of the Aquila genus.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Bonelli's EagleAquila fasciataVoice: Bonelli's eagle is largely silent outside of breeding season and is a somewhat infrequent vocalizer even in the context of breeding.
Tawny EagleAquila rapaxThe tawny eagle is considered to appear "inelegant, scruffy-looking" but has a fairly characteristic aquiline silhouette.
Steppe EagleAquila nipalensisThe steppe eagle is a large, bulky and robust-looking eagle.
Side by side: Golden Eagle vs Wedge-tailed Eagle · Snail Kite vs Wedge-tailed Eagle · Bonelli's Eagle vs Wedge-tailed Eagle · Tawny Eagle vs Wedge-tailed Eagle · Steppe Eagle vs Wedge-tailed Eagle
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