Black Kite

Overall dark brown plumage with some paler streaks on the head and breast. Subspecies vary slightly, but generally possess characteristic light-colored patches under the wing at the base of the primaries. Juveniles are paler and more heavily streaked than adults.

Shallowly forked tail (distinctive in flight), dark brown plumage, and 'fingered' wing tips.

Length: 47-60 cm; Wingspan: 130-155 cm; Weight: 630-940 g.

A high-pitched, tremulous whistling 'whee-err-rr-rr' or a shrill 'klee-errr'.

Opportunistic carnivore and scavenger. Eats small mammals, birds, fish, insects, lizards, and carrion. Often steals food from other birds.

Highly adaptable; found in woodlands, wetlands, edge habitats, and increasingly in urban and suburban environments.

Highly migratory in northern populations (moving to Africa or South Asia for winter); southern populations are generally resident or nomadic.

Builds a platform nest of sticks, often lined with rags or plastic. Nests are typically high in trees or on cliffs. Clutch size is usually 2-3 eggs.

Brahminy Kite (has white head/chest), Red Kite (is larger with a Much deeper forked tail and brighter rufous colors).

Acts as an important scavenger, cleaning up carrion and human waste, which helps prevent the spread of diseases.

Least Concern (IUCN), though some regional populations may face threats from habitat loss and poisoning.

Look for them near garbage dumps, fish markets, or rivers. They are very vocal and easy to spot when soaring in circles using thermals.

They are famous for their ability to snatch food from human hands in some regions and have been observed 'fire-foraging,' staying near the edges of wildfires to catch fleeing prey.