lineatus, is not sufficiently distinctive to justify specific status. On the other hand, the same study suggests that the Black-eared Kite ( M. They occur throughout Africa except for the Congo basin and the Sahara Desert. Recent DNA studies suggest that the yellow-billed, African races, parasitus and aegyptius, differ significantly from Black Kites in the Eurasian clade, and should be considered as a separate, allopatric (geographically separated) species Yellow-billed Kite, M. The Red Kite has been known to hybridize with the Black Kite (in captivity where both species were kept together, and in the wild on the Cape Verde Islands). In winter, many kites will roost together. The Black Kite nests in forest trees, often close to other kites. They have a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. The legs are yellow and the claws are black. The cere and gape are yellow but the bill is black (unlike in the Yellow-billed Kite). The body feathers have dark shafts giving it a streaked appearance. The lower parts of the body are pale brown, becoming lighter towards the chin. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base. The upper plumage is brown but the head and neck tend to be paler. The Black Kite can be distinguished from the Red Kite by its slightly smaller size, less forked tail and generally dark plumage without any rufous. Kites have also been seen to tear and carry away the nests of Baya Weavers in an attempt to obtain eggs or chicks. Predation of nests of other pairs of Black Kites has also been noted. In some places they will readily swoop and snatch food held by humans.īlack Kites in Spain prey on nestling waterfowl especially during summer to feed their young. Large numbers may be seen soaring in thermals over cities. The Indian populations are well adapted to living in cities and are found in densely populated areas. This behaviour has led to Australian native beliefs that kites spread fires by picking up burning twigs and dropping them on dry grass. They are attracted to smoke and fires, where they seek escaping prey. They are opportunist hunters and have been known to take birds, bats and rodents. They will swoop down with their legs lowered to snatch small live prey, fish, household refuse and carrion. The flight is buoyant and the bird glides with ease, changing directions easily. Diet / Feedingīlack Kites are most often seen gliding and soaring on thermals as they search for food. These birds are usually of the nominate race, but in November 2006 a juvenile of the eastern lineatus, not previously recorded in western Europe, was found in Lincolnshire. In the United Kingdom, the Black Kite occurs only as a wanderer on migration. In the northern winter, it is therefore common to have a resident race and a distinguishable migrant form present together in these hotter areas. ![]() affinis ( Fork-tailed Kite), are resident. govinda ( Pariah Kite), or the Australasian M. lineatus, respectively) are migratory, moving to the tropics in winter, but races in warmer regions such as the Indian M. Vagrants, most likely of the Black-eared Kite, on occasion range far into the Pacific, out to the Hawaiian islands (AOU 2000).Įuropean and central Asian birds (subspecies M. Curiously, it is not found in the Indonesian archipelago between the South East Asian mainland and the Wallace Line. This kite is a widespread species throughout the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia. The European populations are small, but the South Asian population is very large. Several subspecies are recognized and formerly with their own English names. This kite is widely distributed through the temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia, with the temperate region populations tending to be migratory. Their angled wing and distinctive forked tail make them easy to identify. They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in thermals in search of food. ![]() ![]() Unlike others of the group, they are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. The Black Kite ( Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |