100 eagles found dead in Victoria's east

About 100 wedge-tailed eagles and four other protected bird species have been found dead on farmland in eastern Victoria.

A Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning spokesman confirmed a number of birds had been found dead in the East Gippsland area, but would not release further details, saying it could jeopardise an investigation currently under way.

The wedge-tailed eagle is the largest bird species in Australia and deliberately killing one carries a maximum penalty of $7,928.50, up to six months' jail and an additional fine of almost $800 for each bird killed.