The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia's largest bird of prey with a wing span of up to 2.3 metres.
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They are most readily identified by their long diamond-shaped tail which resembles a "wedge". Their feathers are dark brown, almost black in adults, while young birds have mid-brown feathers with reddish brown heads and wings. Their legs are covered with feathers, referred to as "trousered". The darker adult colouring can take 10 years to complete.
These eagles are found throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania and in southern New Guinea. They are frequently seen in the Hunter Valley, particularly around Singleton, although I have observed them along the Hunter River at Maitland.
They prefer wooded and forested land near open country and can be seen perched on the top of trees or poles. They are magnificent in flight and soar to altitudes of 2000 metres. Many a pilot has spotted one gliding alongside the aircraft.
Wedge-tailed Eagles eat both live prey and carrion and 30-70 per cent of their diet may consist of rabbits and hares. They will also eat lizards and, small birds and mammals. The birds may hunt together and a group of eagles can attack and kill adult kangaroos.
Carrion is a major food source and roadkill and dead animal carcasses are eaten. Eating roadkill is risky behaviour and many birds are hit by cars. These birds weigh up to four kilograms and an adult bird can carry 50 per cent of their body weight.
Eagle nests can be enormous, reaching over two metres in width and are built in a prominent position, often along a ridge, with a good view of the surrounding countryside. The nests can be used for decades if the birds are not disturbed.
Wedge-tailed Eagles mate for life and are territorial. They don't defend their feeding range but will defend the area around the nest site.
On a recent trip to Merriwa, a young eagle landed in a tree near my car. It was a hot, windy day and for ten minutes I was able to observe and photograph this beautiful bird.