|
|
Black-winged Kite
 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), also known as the Black-Shouldered Kite is a small diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae best known for its habit of hovering over open grasslands in the manner of the much smaller kestrels. They are not migratory, but show nomadism in response to weather and food availability.
Description
This long-winged raptor is predominantly grey or white with black shoulder patches, wing tips and eye stripe. The long falcon-like wings extend beyond the tail when the bird is perched. In flight, the short and square tail is visible and it is not forked as in the typical kites of the genus Milvus.
Distribution and habitat
The Black-winged Kite is a species primarily of open land and semi-deserts in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia, but it has a foothold within Europe in Spain and Portugal.
Behaviour and ecology
The Black-winged Kite breeds at different times of the year across its range. The nest is a loose platform of twigs in which 3 or 4 eggs are laid.
Their prey includes grasshoppers, crickets and other large insects, lizards, and rodents. Injured birds, small snakes and frogs have also been reported. The Black-winged Kite flies slowly during hunting like a harrier, but it will also hover like a Kestrel. It has on rare occasions been known to hunt prey in flight.
These birds roost communally with groups of 15 to 35 converging at a large leafy tree.
They are extremely silent and the calls recorded include a high-pitched squeal or a soft whistle. They call mainly during the breeding season and at the roost site.
Source: Wikipedia |
marius-secan has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
| Discussions |
| None | | You must be logged in to start a discussion. |
|
hello Peter
Une très belle photo, l'oiseau est dans une position intéressante sans perturbation dans le fond.
Bonne soirée
Roland
Hello Peter,
What a superb image. I like this amazing bird.
Marius.
- lousat
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6595 W: 89 N: 15659]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(65489) - [2019-06-10 15:31]
-
Hi Peter,the sharpness isn't the best,maybe because you cut a lot the original pic,but it's still good and it's a great satisfaction to take a pic of difficult species,well done. Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano
Hello Peter,
Nice image of this Kite.
Biswarup
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 94 W: 2 N: 109]](https://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(1631)