About the Black-shouldered Kite
The black-shouldered kite, also known as the Australian black-shouldered kite, is a small raptor found in open habitats throughout Australia. It resembles similar species found in Africa, Eurasia and North America, including the black-winged kite, a species that has in the past also been called "black-shouldered kite". Measuring around 35 cm (14 in) in length, with a wingspan of 80–100 cm (31–39 in), the adult black-shouldered kite has predominantly grey-white plumage and prominent black markings above its red eyes. It gains its name from the black patches on its wings. The primary call is a clear whistle, uttered in flight and while hovering. It can be confused with the related…
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ID tip
The adult black-shouldered kite is around 35 cm (14 in) in length, with a wingspan of between 80 and 100 cm (31 and 39 in). The female is slightly heavier, weighing on average around 300 g (11 oz) compared to the male's average weight of 260 g (9.2 oz). The sexes have similar plumage. The crown, neck and upperparts are pale grey, while the head and underparts are white. A black comma-shaped marking lies in front of and stretches over and behind the eye, which is deep red and surrounded by a black orbital ring. The leading edge of the outer wing is black. Voice: The black-shouldered kite is generally silent, except in the breeding season when its calls, though weak, can be persistent. It primarily utters a clear whistled chee, chee, chee call in flight and while hovering, or a hoarse wheezing skree-ah when perched.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Black-shouldered Kite lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Kenya.
When to see the Black-shouldered Kite
Peak activity in July · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Letter-winged KiteElanus scriptusThe adult letter-winged kite is about 35 cm (14 in) in length, with a wingspan between 84 and 100 cm (33 and 39 in).
White-tailed KiteElanus leucurusThe coloration of the white-tailed kite is gull-like, but its shape and flight are falcon-like, with a rounded tail.
Black-winged KiteElanus caeruleusThis long-winged raptor is predominantly grey or white with black shoulder patches, wing tips and eye stripe.
Side by side: Black-shouldered Kite vs Black-winged Kite · Black-shouldered Kite vs White-tailed Kite · Black-shouldered Kite vs Egyptian Vulture
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