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Revision as of 09:24, 8 October 2009
- Aquila audax
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.
Similar Species
Immatures can be confused with immature White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster which has a much shorter wedge-shaped tail.
Distribution
Australia: occurs almost throughout the continent and on Tasmania, also in southern New Guinea. Resident and nomadic.
Taxonomy
Subspecies: Two races recognised: fleayi in Tasmania and nominate in remainder of range.
Habitat
Dry open plains to mountain forests. Nests in trees or sometimes on the ground on islands
Behaviour
Flight
Long 'wedge' or diamond-shaped tail and long wings and primaries are most obvious when soaring.
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.
