Eagle Eye
Waalitj is the Aboriginal Noongar name for the iconic wedge-tailed eagle or ‘wedgie’, one of Australia’s three key terrestrial (land-based) apex predators. While the dingo and perentie (a giant lizard) top the food chain on the ground, the ‘wedgie’ is the largest and most powerful predator to grace the Australian sky!
This widespread eagle species has a wingspan of well over two metres, talon-clad fists capable of crushing a range of medium-sized mammals and birds, and acute vision that can detect the movements of its prey from more than a kilometre away. But such sensitive vision also means it is particularly vulnerable to disturbance, and despite such a pronounced predatory position in the food chain, it is actually a very shy bird whose efforts to live peacefully are easily compromised.
The wedge-tailed eagle, or eaglehawk, is found throughout Australian and southern New Guinea, and the most common of large eagles worldwide. It is the largest bird of prey in Australia with a wingspan of 2-3 metres. They are generally varying shades of brown, and darken as they age. They predate on native wildlife, such as wallabies, possums, snakes and lizards as well as feral animals such as foxes and rabbits (which now make up a significant part of their diet).
The wedge-tailed eagle is distinctly aerial, and employs thermals in its flight. Their nests are distinctly massive and in prominent locations, and added to with each breeding year.
Nests that weigh over 400kg have been known. Adult eagles mate for life, and can attack unfamiliar wedge-tails.
An Eagle Eye will spot this geocache, however, a TOTT is required to retrieve this geocache, please return it to the same location as was found.