black kite

The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey known for its incredible adaptability and opportunistic nature. Unlike many other raptors, the Black Kite is as much a scavenger as it is a hunter, often found soaring gracefully over both wild landscapes and bustling urban centers.

Measuring between 58-66 cm, the Black Kite is characterized by its generally dark brown plumage and a distinctive forked tail. Key identification features include:

• Plumage: Dark brown body with a paler head and neck, featuring dark shafts that give a streaked appearance.
• Head: A dark patch is visible behind the eyes, and the chin is significantly lighter.
• Wings: Angled wings with black outer flight feathers and dark crossbars.
• Bill and Legs: A black bill with a yellow cere and gape, complemented by yellow legs and sharp black claws.

Black Kites are highly gregarious birds that can be found throughout the year in various environments. Their habitat range includes:

• Urban Areas: They are frequently seen around cities, towns, and villages, particularly in South Asia.
• Natural Landscapes: They also inhabit mountains and temperate regions.
• Distribution: Widely spread across Eurasia, Australasia, and parts of Africa.

As opportunistic hunters and scavengers, Black Kites have a diverse diet. They are often seen gliding on thermals searching for:

• Household refuse and carrion (leading to the British military nickname 'shite-hawk').
• Small live prey such as rodents, bats, and birds.
• Fish snatched from the water surface with lowered legs.
• Insects and small animals escaping from smoke and fires.
• Eggs or chicks stolen from the nests of other birds, such as Baya Weavers.

Black Kites are known to be protective and sometimes aggressive during the breeding season. In Spain, they have been observed preying on nestling waterfowl to feed their own young. They are also known to raid the nests of other Black Kite pairs or different species to secure food for their offspring.

The Black Kite is a master of the air, characterized by a buoyant flight and the ability to change direction with ease while soaring on thermals. They are highly social birds, often seen in large numbers over densely populated cities. They are bold enough to swoop down and snatch food directly from human hands in certain regions.

While European populations are relatively small, the South Asian populations are very large. Overall, the Black Kite is widely distributed and well-adapted to human-altered environments, ensuring a stable presence across most of its range.

1. In Australian native beliefs, it is claimed that Kites spread fires by dropping burning twigs to flush out prey.
2. They are attracted to smoke and fire to catch fleeing animals.
3. The Black Kite is easily distinguished from the Red Kite by its smaller size and less deeply forked tail.
4. Their vocalization is a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call.

To identify a Black Kite in flight, look for the angled wings and the shallow fork in the tail. They are most active during the day, frequently seen circling over refuse dumps or crowded city markets where food is abundant. Using binoculars, you can spot the yellow cere at the base of their black bill, which distinguishes them from the Yellow-billed Kite.

The Black Kite is a testament to avian resilience and adaptability. Whether soaring over mountain peaks or navigating the skyscrapers of a megacity, this raptor remains one of the most successful and recognizable birds of prey in the world.