The Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey, standing over 1m tall and with a wing span of up to a massive 2.2m. A subspecies of the Wedge-tailed eagle found on mainland Australia, it is endemic to the state. With brownish-black, light brown tipped feathers, this eagle can be identified as it soars at heights of up to 2000m by its wedge-shaped tail.
BehaviourThe Wedge-tailed Eagle is an effective hunter of other birds, reptiles and small mammals. It can often be observed hunting over much of the state. Roadkill and other Carcasses are also a major food source. Wedge-tailed eagles are territorial and defend their nesting area year-round; they have even been known to attack model aircraft, gliders and helicopters that intrude on their territory.
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BreedingThe Wedge-tailed eagle almost always nests in mature, very large Eucalypts that are sheltered from strong winds. They are easily disturbed when nesting, and will often abandon nests, and even eggs and offspring, when disturbance occurs only a few hundred metres away. They monogamous and mate for life. Usually only one chick is raised at one time.
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Conservation
The Tasmanian Wedge-tailed eagle is listed as endangered both at the state and federal level. Their breeding potential is limited as they only nest in sheltered old growth forest areas, raise one chick at a time and exhibit territorial behaviour. Loss of nesting habitat, disturbance from land clearing and other land management practices pose a serious threat to the survival of the small WTE population in Tasmania. The most recent data suggests that there may be fewer than 1000 birds left in the wild.
In May 2018 Friends of Fernglade members assisted with state-wide, citizen science survey 'Where Where Wedgie?' investigating the Wedge-tailed eagle population, and other birds of interest. It was an enjoyable weekend, with members volunteering much time in, and around Fernglade reserve, with their eyes to the sky recording sightings of bird species.
To find out more about Nature Trackers’ citizen science projects including 'Where Where Wedgie' and how you can become involved go here.
To find out more about Nature Trackers’ citizen science projects including 'Where Where Wedgie' and how you can become involved go here.
Header Photo: Dean Hohn
References
Department of Primary Industry, Water and the Environment (2006) “Threatened Tasmanian eagles recovery plan: 2006-2010.
Birds in Backyards (n.d.) “Wedge-tailed Eagle” viewed 6thJune 2018 at <http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Aquila-audax>.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (2018). “Species management profile: Aquila audax subsp. fleayi, Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle” viewed 7thJune 2018 at <http://www.threatenedspecieslink.tas.gov.au/pages/wedge-tailed-eagle.aspx>.
Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (2010). “Wedge-tailed eagle, Aquila audax” viewed 6thJune 2018 at <http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=5121>.
References
Department of Primary Industry, Water and the Environment (2006) “Threatened Tasmanian eagles recovery plan: 2006-2010.
Birds in Backyards (n.d.) “Wedge-tailed Eagle” viewed 6thJune 2018 at <http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Aquila-audax>.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (2018). “Species management profile: Aquila audax subsp. fleayi, Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle” viewed 7thJune 2018 at <http://www.threatenedspecieslink.tas.gov.au/pages/wedge-tailed-eagle.aspx>.
Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (2010). “Wedge-tailed eagle, Aquila audax” viewed 6thJune 2018 at <http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=5121>.