black winged kite

The black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus), also frequently called the black-shouldered kite, is a distinctive diurnal bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This small raptor is best known for its elegant flight and its specialized ability to hover over open grasslands, a behavior it shares with the much smaller kestrel.

The black-winged kite is a small, compact bird with a striking appearance. Key physical features include:

• Size: Measuring between 30 to 35 cm in length.
• Plumage: A beautiful mix of white, grey, and blackish velvety feathers with prominent black shoulder patches and wing tips.
• Eyes: Forward-facing, owl-like eyes with intense orange-red irises and a dark eye stripe.
• Wingspan: Ranges from 75 to 90 cm, featuring long, pointed wings.
• Weight: Males weigh between 200-270 grams, while females are slightly larger at 220-340 grams.

This species is highly adaptable, inhabiting savannahs, semi-desert grasslands, steppes, and cultivated plains. It is often found in areas with scattered trees or thickets. While it can thrive in dry environments, it typically requires the vicinity of water. Its range is vast, appearing from sea level up to elevations of 2700 metres.

The black-winged kite is a skilled hunter that primarily feeds on small mammals, particularly rats. Its diverse diet also includes:

• Small ground-dwelling birds.
• Reptiles such as lizards.
• Large insects like grasshoppers and locusts.
• In specific regions like the Arabian coast, they have been known to consume dead fish and offal.

Breeding and nesting involve elaborate courtship displays, including fluttering flights and high-pitched rasping calls. Pairs tend to stay together for most of the year. They build their nests in trees, and both parents are fiercely protective, aggressively attacking any intruders, such as crows or other raptors, that venture too close to the nesting site.

The most iconic behavior of the black-winged kite is its hunting technique: hovering in mid-air with wings held high in a V-shape before dropping silently onto prey. They are primarily active at dusk. Interestingly, when perched, they frequently raise and lower their tails, a movement associated with excitement or pre-copulation displays. They are also known to roost in large communal flocks of up to 500 birds.

While not specifically detailed in the provided data, the black-winged kite is generally widespread across its range. Its survival is closely linked to the availability of open grasslands and healthy populations of small rodents. Conservation of its natural habitat is essential for maintaining stable population numbers.

1. The black-winged kite can hover with incredible skill and very little effort compared to other raptors.
2. Despite being a bird of prey, its forward-facing eyes give it an owl-like appearance.
3. They are known to eat small prey while still in flight.
4. Their tail-wagging behavior is a unique signal often used during social or sexual excitement.
5. They can be found at extreme altitudes, reaching up to 2700 metres above sea level.

• Look to the Skies: Scan open grasslands for a bird hovering stationary in the wind; this is a classic kite behavior.
• Timing is Key: They are most active during the late afternoon and dusk.
• Identify the V: Look for the distinctive high V-shape the wings make just before the bird drops to the ground.
• Check Exposed Perches: They often sit on telephone wires or bare branches to spot movement in the grass.

The black-winged kite is a master of the air, combining grace with predatory precision. Whether it is hovering effortlessly over a field or defending its nest with vigor, this raptor is a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts and a vital component of the grassland ecosystem.