The magnificent wedge-tailed eagle is Australia's largest bird of prey. It soars at astonishing altitudes, often over one mile aboveground. As it rides the air currents it watches for prey — usually hares or rabbits — on the grassland far below. Its extraordinary eyesight extends into the infrared and ultraviolet bands, allowing it to spot prey and see rising thermals, which it uses to gain altitude while expending little energy.

Once a wedge-tailed eagle locks in on a target, it will swoop down in a long, slanting nose dive and snatch the animal with its powerful talons. The force of the strike, combined with the crushing power of the eagle's massive talons, is usually enough to kill the prey instantaneously.

Wedge-tailed eagles typically select single, lifelong mates. The selection process centers around a dramatic aerobatic display flight during which the male dives at breakneck speed toward the female. She either ignores him or responds by flying upside down with outstretched talons, and the pair may finish with a loop the loop. As a couple, the eagles patrol a common territory, building several nests, including one for raising eaglets.

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