Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The black-winged kite, also known as the black-shouldered kite, is a small diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae best known for its habit of hovering over open grasslands in the manner of the much smaller kestrels. This Palearctic and Afrotropical species was sometimes combined with the Australian black-shouldered kite and the white-tailed kite of North and South America which together form a superspecies. This kite is distinctive, with long wings; white, grey and black plumage; and owl-like forward-facing eyes with red irises. The owl-like behaviour is even more pronounced in the letter-winged kite, a nocturnal relative in Australia. Although mainly seen on plains, they are sometimes seen on grassy slopes of hills in the higher elevation regions of Asia. They are not migratory, but show nomadism in response to weather and food availability. They are well adapted to utilize periodic upsurges in rodent populations and can raise multiple broods in a single year unlike most birds of prey. Populations in southern Europe have grown in response to human activities, particularly agriculture and livestock rearing. Now present in SouthWest France
Fun Fact
Black-winged kites hover in place like kestrels while scanning for prey below, and they're one of the few raptors whose global range has been expanding in recent decades.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Open grasslands and farmlands
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
5-7 years
Threats
- Agricultural Conversion
- Urban Expansion