Black-winged Kite

The Black-winged Kite, Elanus caeruleus, is a small diurnal raptor with a striking appearance. It is characterized by its long wings and a contrasting pattern of white, grey, and black plumage. The bird's forward-facing eyes with red irises are reminiscent of an owl's gaze, lending it a distinctive look among birds of prey.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species can be identified by their black shoulder patches, wingtips, and the distinctive eye stripe. In flight, the long wings extend beyond the tail, which is short and square, lacking the fork seen in typical kites like those in the genus Milvus. When perched, the bird may adjust its wings and jerk its tail, as if maintaining balance. Both sexes have similar plumage.

Habitat

The Black-winged Kite is typically found in open land and semi-deserts, favoring open grasslands where it can easily spot prey. It is also seen on grassy slopes at higher elevations in parts of Asia.

Distribution

This species has a wide range that includes sub-Saharan Africa, tropical Asia, and parts of Europe. It has been observed at altitudes as high as 3,650 meters in Sikkim and is known to be a winter visitor in some regions, such as the Western Ghats.

Behaviour

The Black-winged Kite is known for its habit of hovering over grasslands, much like kestrels. It is not migratory but displays nomadic behavior in response to weather and food availability. It is capable of raising multiple broods in a year, taking advantage of surges in rodent populations.

Song & Calls

The calls of the Black-winged Kite are high-pitched squeals or soft whistles, mainly heard during the breeding season and at communal roost sites.

Breeding

Breeding occurs at various times across its range, with nests being a loose platform of twigs. The species lays 3 to 4 pale creamy eggs with deep red spots. Both parents incubate, but the male takes on a more significant role in foraging as the chicks grow.

Similar Species

The Black-winged Kite can be confused with the closely-related Australian Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) and the White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) of North and South America, which together form a superspecies.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet consists of large insects, lizards, and rodents, with occasional small snakes and frogs. The kite hunts by flying slowly or hovering like a harrier and sometimes hunts prey in flight.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Black-winged Kite as Least Concern, indicating a stable population trend. However, it benefits from human activities such as agriculture and livestock rearing, which have contributed to its range expansion in southern Europe.