Black Kite
Milvus migrans
Aves › Accipitriformes › Accipitridae › Milvus
Conservation status: least_concern
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.
How To Identify
It has generally dark, almost sooty black plumage which contrasts slightly with paler areas on the underside of its tail and wings. Built for aerial agility, it is a medium-to-large raptor with noticeably broad, powerful wings.
Habitat
Black Kites inhabit open and semi-open landscapes including grasslands, wetlands, cultivated areas, and urban edges, typically near water sources where they hunt for fish and small animals.
Behaviour
Black Kites are highly social and often seen soaring in loose flocks; they characteristically hold their wings in a slight dihedral angle and perform distinctive twisting flight maneuvers while hunting or migrating.
Native Range
The Black Kite is native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Did You Know?
Black Kites are remarkably adaptable scavengers that have learned to snatch food from human hands in some regions, and they're known to follow農民 plowing fields to catch disturbed prey. They're also one of the most widespread raptors globally, found on nearly every continent except Antarctica.
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