Black Kite
Milvus migrans
The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a common kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 156 countries, weighing about 734 g. The black kite or fire kite is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors.
About the Black Kite
The black kite or fire kite is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors. It is thought to be the world's most abundant species of Accipitridae, although some populations have experienced dramatic declines or fluctuations. Current global population estimates run up to 6.7 million individuals.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Black kites can be distinguished from red kites by their slightly smaller size, less forked tail (visible in flight), and generally dark plumage without any rufous. The sexes are alike though the male is a little smaller and less aggressive (this is the case in most birds of prey). They weigh 735 grams (25.9 oz) on average. The upper plumage is brown, but the head and neck tend to be paler. The patch behind the eye appears darker. The outer flight feathers are black and the feathers have dark cross bars and are mottled at the base.
What the Black Kite sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Réunion, Grenada, Kosovo, Libya, United States, Iceland.
When to see it
The Black Kite can be seen all year round, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black Kite?
- Black kites can be distinguished from red kites by their slightly smaller size, less forked tail (visible in flight), and generally dark plumage without any rufous. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black Kite?
- The Black Kite is a large sized bird weighing about 734 g.
- Where can you see a Black Kite?
- The Black Kite occurs in 156 countries, including India, France, Spain, Australia and Georgia.
- What does a Black Kite sound like?
- You can listen to 3 field recordings of the Black Kite on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Black Kite?
- The Black Kite is most easily confused with the Red Kite.
Learn the Black Kite for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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