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Project Noah Nature School
Aquila audax
This seems to be a Juvenile Wedge-tailed Eagle, although from the colouring, I'm not 100% certain and would appreciate any suggestions. Given the location it could possibly be a juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle as we have seen them here too. I have included a second photo which more clearly shows the tail feathers.
Wedge-tails are found throughout Australia, including Tasmania, and southern New Guinea in almost all habitats, though they tend to be more common in lightly timbered and open country in southern and eastern Australia.
This bird (an apparent juvenile) was spotted in a large forested area which was also the site of a flying-fox colony, which had recently suffered a large death toll due to extreme weather. It is possible this bird was there to take advantage of the ready supply of food.
Spotted on Jan 15, 2013
Submitted on Nov 22, 2013
8 Comments
I agree with Lori - Juvenille White -bellied sea eagle ...his tail banding gives that indication ............
Young white-bellied sea eagles are dark brown on the upperparts, which are patterned with creamy markings.The head, neck and underparts have a creamy or buffish colouration , and the underwings have a large, pale patch or panel across the base of the primary feathers . Unlike that of the adult, the juvenile white-bellied sea eagle’s tail is whitish with a broad brownish band on the tip . The cere, legs and feet are similar in colour to those of the adult bird
Thanks Gary. Do you mean you personally, or for your mission?
nice shots; i have been waiting to get some good shots on birds of prey :)
I'm much more inclined to think it is a juvenile While-bellied sea eagle.
Thanks Mark, I've been around a long while, but that's the first time someone has complemented me on my Noctuid :-D
It's just the season for moths Steve - I'm just starting with them. Your Noctuid is fabulous.
Thanks fr your comments Mark. Yes he spotted me, so I backed off without getting any better photos. I notice you have a lot of Moth spottings. Are you able to help me with http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/847... ?
Fascinating colours. He has just noticed you in #1? Sorry I don't know enough about wedgies to help with constructive comment... maybe hanky panky with sea eagles :-) What was the extreme weather in Jan?