From Opus

Aquila audax

Photo by stoop
South-eastern Queensland, Australia

[edit] Identification

Australia's largest eagle. Long wings with long primaries can span from 2 to 2.5 metres. Males smaller than females.

Young birds are light brown becoming darker with age until almost all black for the most mature adults.

[edit] Similar Species

Immatures can be confused with immature White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster which has a much shorter wedge-shaped tail.

[edit] Distribution

Australia: occurs almost throughout the continent and on Tasmania, also in southern New Guinea. Resident and nomadic.

[edit] Taxonomy

Subspecies: Two races recognised: fleayi in Tasmania and nominate in remainder of range.

[edit] Habitat

Dry open plains to mountain forests. Nests in trees or sometimes on the ground on islands

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Flight

Long 'wedge' or diamond-shaped tail and long wings and primaries are most obvious when soaring.

[edit] Diet

Preys on mammals, large birds and large reptiles (such as snakes and goannas). Can be encountered feeding on road-killed animals in country areas.

[edit] External Links