Bird Guide

Brahminy Kite vs Whistling Kite

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

Brahminy Kite

Haliastur indus

Large529 gCoastal

The bird measures 45–51 cm (18–20 in) in length, 109–124 cm (43–49 in) in wingspan, and weighs 320–673 g (11.3–23.7 oz). The brahminy kite is distinctive and contrastingly coloured, with chestnut plumage except for the white head and breast and black wing tips. The juveniles are browner, but can be distinguished from both the resident and migratory races of black kites in Asia by the paler appearance, shorter wings, and rounded tail. The pale patch on the underwing carpal region is of a squarish shape and separated from Buteo buzzards.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: James H · CC BY 4.0
Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus)

Whistling Kite

Haliastur sphenurus

Large753 gWetland

The whistling kite ranges in size from 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in), with a wingspan between 123 and 146 cm (4 ft 0 in and 4 ft 9 in). Weights range from 380 to 1,050 g (0.84 to 2.31 lb) an average of 600 to 750 g (1.32 to 1.65 lb) for males and 750 to 1,000 g (1.65 to 2.20 lb) for females. As with most raptors, females are larger and heavier than males; though there is considerable overlap between the sexes, females can be up to 21% larger and 42% heavier. Southern birds are also larger than those found in the tropics. Male and female plumages are the same. Voice: This is a noisy species, calling regularly in flight and while perched—even while at the nest. Its most common call is a clear descending whistle, often followed (less often preceded) by a rapid series of rising notes.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Peter Gaylard from Australia · CC BY 2.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Brahminy Kite and Whistling Kite.