Black Kite Bird Details
Milvus migrans
Black Kite,Fork-tailed Kite, Pariah Kite;
Kaali Cheel
Boddaert (1783)
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Accipiter
Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Countries include the UK, India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata), China, Russia, South Africa, Australia, and most European and Middle Eastern countries.
Appearance :
Upperparts is dark brown, almost blackish. Underparts is lighter brown with streaks. The underside of the wings shows pale patches, contrasting with the darker flight feathers.
Behaviour :
Opportunistic feeder and scavenger, often seen around human settlements. It feeds on small mammals, birds, fish, insects, and carrion. Known for its buoyant, graceful flight, often seen soaring or gliding in search of food. Monogamous, with a pair remaining together for many years. Pairs are territorial during the breeding season, though they may form loose colonies in some areas.
Habitat :
Adaptable to a wide range of habitats, from rural countryside to urban areas. It prefers open areas near water sources, often seen near towns and cities.
Diet :
Scavenger that primarily feeds on carrion, including dead animals and waste from human settlements, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. It may also steal food from other birds..
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
Found across much of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, making it one of the most widespread raptors. Bird Population Size:
Population Size :
The global population is large and stable, with an estimated 6 to 7 million individuals.
Life Span :
About 10–15 years in the wild, although some individuals can live longer.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Black Kite has a streamlined body with a relatively long, square-tipped tail. It appears robust and agile in flight, designed for soaring and gliding.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (the lower leg) measures approximately 6–7 cm, suitable for gripping and handling prey.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and dark, blending with the overall dark plumage of the bird. It has a broad and slightly rounded shape, giving it a keen appearance.
- Bill: The bill is short, hooked, and strong, suited for tearing flesh.
- Bill Length: Approximately 2.5–3 cm in length, with a yellow base and a dark tip.
Length :
The Black Kite typically measures around 50–60 cm in body length.
Neck :
The neck is short but strong, allowing for quick movements to scan for food while in flight.
Size :
Medium-sized bird of prey, comparable in size to a crow, with a wingspan that is considerably larger.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and may appear slightly forked or square-tipped when in flight.
- Tail Length: About 20–25 cm, aiding in maneuverability during flight.
- Feathers: The plumage is dark brown or blackish, with lighter streaks on the underparts. The flight feathers are dark with pale patches that can be seen from below, especially when gliding.
Weight :
Males: Approximately 600–800 grams. Females: Heavier, around 800–1,100 grams.
Wing :
The wings are long and broad, giving the Black Kite a distinctive silhouette in flight. The wings are slightly angled, which aids in soaring.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 130 to 155 cm.
Facial Feature :
The Black Kite has sharp, dark brown eyes that enhance its keen eyesight, vital for spotting prey from the air. The bill is short and hooked, suited for tearing flesh, with a yellow base and a dark tip.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Nests are built in tall trees, cliffs, or sometimes on man-made structures like buildings or towers. Black Kites may reuse and refurbish old nests from previous years.
- Nest Made Up Of: Nests are constructed from twigs, branches, and sticks, often lined with softer materials like grass, leaves, and feathers. The nests can be quite large, especially if reused over several seasons.
Breeding Season :
The breeding period generally occurs from March to August.
Nesting Season :
Nest building begins in March, and eggs are typically laid by April or May.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally white to pale bluish, often with speckling of brown or reddish-brown.
Egg Length :
Approximately 50–60 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: About 40–45 mm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 40–50 grams.
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size is 1 to 4 eggs, with 2 to 3 eggs being the most common.
No. of Broods :
Generally, 1 brood per year, although if the first clutch fails, they may attempt to lay a second clutch.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 30–32 days.
Nestling Period :
The chicks fledge after about 40–50 days.
Vocalization :
It often makes a series of sharp “ki-ki-ki” sounds, especially during breeding season.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger than males, particularly in body weight.
Migration Details :
- Migration Type: The Black Kite is partially migratory. While some populations are resident, others migrate seasonally in search of food.
- Migration Period: Autumn migration typically occurs from August to October, while spring migration takes place from March to April.
- Migration Route: Migratory populations from Europe and northern Asia move southwards to regions in Africa and southern Asia during winter. They often travel along established migratory routes, such as the Eastern Mediterranean Flyway.