Photo kindly supplied by B&D Barnes. © 2003

This eagle was in care for 18 months as it's wings had been clipped. The eagle had to have a complete feather shed and grow new feathers (which took 2 years) before he could be released.  This photo was taken just before release in 1995.

Click here to see an eagle up close.

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The Wedge-Tailed Eagle is the largest Australian raptor (bird of prey) with a wing span up to 2.5 meters from tip to tip.  It has a wedge shaped tail, which gives it it's name. It is fairly common throughout Australia and likes open plains and mountains.  Adults are mostly black or dark brown in colour. Juveniles are golden or straw coloured.  The eagle preys on animals such as rabbits and wallaby's, but is more often than not unsuccessful when swooping on live prey due to it's size.  It also feeds on reptiles but it's diet consist of mainly carrion.   The breeding period is from June to October, and it has a huge nest, often like a platform which is made with sticks and lined with leaves, which are replaced regularly during breeding.  It lays between 1 and 3 eggs, often with only 1 fledgling reaching maturity.  Incubation is about 45 days by the female.  Young fledge between 70 and 90 days.