Black-winged Kite Bird Details
Elanus caeruleus
Black-winged Kite
Kali Pankhon Wali Giddh
René Louiche Desfontaines in 1789
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Elanus
- Europe: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
- Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa.
- Asia: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Japan, and the Philippines.
Appearance :
The Black-winged Kite is a small bird of prey with predominantly pale grey plumage and contrasting black shoulders and wingtips. It has a striking black eye patch.
Behaviour :
It is known for its hovering behavior while hunting, often seen hovering over fields and grasslands.
Habitat :
Black-winged Kites are found in open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, marshes, and agricultural fields.
Diet :
Their diet primarily consists of small mammals like rodents, birds, reptiles, and large insects.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They are found widely distributed across parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australasia.
Population Size :
Not precisely known but Stable
Life Span :
10-12 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
The Black-winged Kite is a small, slim raptor with predominantly gray and white plumage.
Head And Bill :
The head is pale gray, and the bill is short, hooked, and black.
Length :
Approximately 35-38 cm (14-15 inches).
Neck :
The neck is slender and gray.
Size :
Small, with a wingspan larger than its body length.
Tail Details :
Long, gray tail with a slight fork.
Weight :
Around 250-300 grams (8.8-10.6 ounces).
Wing :
Long and pointed wings, predominantly gray with black wingtips.
Wing Span :
Typically 80-95 cm (31-37 inches).
Facial Feature :
The face is pale with bright yellow eyes, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Nest Details :
- Often nests in trees, especially in isolated or wooded areas.
- The nest is made of twigs, leaves, and other plant material, lined with softer materials like feathers or fur.
Breeding Season :
During the spring and summer months
Nesting Season :
During late spring to mid-summer..
Egg Color :
Usually white or pale with some markings.
Egg Length :
Approximately 35 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
Approximately 28 mm.
Clutch Size :
Typically lays 3-5 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Single brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Around 28-30 days.
Nestling Period :
Fledge occurs about 4-5 weeks after hatching.
Vocalization :
Typically silent except during courtship and near the nest, where it makes high-pitched calls.
Sex Demorphism :
Females slightly larger than males on average.
Migration Details :
Non-migratory birds
