Black Kite

Milvus migrans

Family: Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 61–66 cm · Conservation: Not Evaluated

Range

Breeds across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, Siberia, China, Japan, Korea, Indochina and discontinuously to Sulawesi, the Lesser Sundas, Papua New Guinea and northern Australia; northern populations winter south to Africa, Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

Identification

Adult resembles juvenile Brahminy Kite but has darker overall plumage, a distinctive forked tail that appears almost square-cut when broadly fanned in flight, and narrower, longer and more pointed wings. Juvenile resembles adult but has pale streaks on breast and belly. Separated from dark morph Booted Eagle by longer wings, lack of white 'landing lights' on shoulders, and forked rather than rounded tail.

Habitat

Open country, reclaimed land, coastal habitat and forest.

Behaviour

Forages opportunistically with slow, low surveying flight; scavenges along waterbodies and at refuse. In Singapore, most likely to be observed on passage although some birds may overwinter locally.