Soaring high over the Australian skies, the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) is our largest bird of prey and one of the most iconic and powerful raptors in the world. With a wingspan of almost three metres, these powerful birds command the sky surveying vast distances for food and defending their territories with dominance. The United States may have its Bald Eagle as a symbol of strength and freedom, but here in Australia, our giant Wedge-tailed eagles dwarf their American counterparts. They're the true masters of the skies.
It’s not just size that sets the Wedge-tailed Eagle apart - females are significantly larger than males, often outweighing them by several kilograms. This pattern, common among raptors, flips the traditional human narrative on leadership and strength. In the world of Wedge-tailed eagles, power and dominance belong to the female!
Wedgies, as they’re affectionately known, are found across mainland Australia and Tasmania, from our remote deserts to coastal forests. They are skilled hunters, preying on rabbits, wallabies, chickens, sheep and even young kangaroos. But they’re also highly adaptable scavengers - something that has become both a strength and a danger.
In the absence of large natural predators, Wedgies have adapted to feeding on roadkill, taking advantage of the abundance of carcasses left by vehicles. While this provides an easy meal, it also puts them at great risk of becoming roadkill themselves.
Because of their massive wings, Wedgies need significant lift to take off. They launch into the wind for the best chance of getting airborne. But on roads, this often means taking off towards oncoming cars and trucks, making them highly vulnerable to collisions.
How You Can Help
If you’re driving across Australia and see Wedge-tailed Eagles feeding on roadkill, here’s how you can help prevent unnecessary deaths:
✅ Slow down when you see them near the road - give them time to take off safely.
✅ If it's safe to do so, drag roadkill off the road - this keeps their feeding away from traffic.
✅ Spread awareness - many people don’t realise this simple action can save lives.
Australia's Wedgies are more than just a bird of prey. They're a symbol of our stunning natural environment, just as the Bald Eagle is for the United States. But if we’re making comparisons, ours is bigger, stronger and more adaptable. Perhaps Donald Trump's America should take a closer look and learn from the Wedgie’s example: true power isn’t about hyper-masculinity and dominance, it’s about resilience and adaptability. And it can just as easily be female led.
📸 Have you spotted a Wedgie in the wild? I took this photo outside Alice Springs. Please share your experience and photos in the comments section below!
#FloraAndFaunaFriday #WedgetailedEagle #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #Australia #BirdsOfPrey #RoadkillAwareness
Was riding my motorbike to Mudgee one day and watched one of these things pluck a fox out of the field, At the time I remember thinking that was pretty amazing. On the way back I stopped of at a pub in Rylstone where they have one on the wall at the back of the bar all preserved. It's wingspan is well over 2m. No natural predators and definitely not to be messed with
Last May as we approached Wooleen Station in Murchison Shire WA, we had the privilege of seeing a family of 4 feeding on a kangaroo carcass, fortunately to the side of the road. What magnificent creatures they are
another great article - thank you, Gregory. It has "made my day". It has awakened the film "Healing" and the song by Uncle Archie and Uncle Jack called "We won't cry".