Scientific Name: Haliastur indus
Malay Name: Helang-Tembikar Merah
Chinese Name: 栗鸢
Range:
Resident from the Indian subcontinent through southeast Asia to north and east Australia.
Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: indus, intermedius, girrenera, flavirostris.
Local Subspecies: intermedius
Size: 44-52 cm
Identification:
Adult superficially resembles the globally famous Bald Eagle with bright rufous underparts, with white head and belly. Juveniles have variably brownish underparts depending on age. In flight easily identified by their "m" shaped wings when soaring. The similar looking Black Kite has a distinct square cut tail and a distinct small white flash on the base of the primary coverts.
Similar looking species: Black Kite
Habitat: Coastal areas.
Behaviour/Ecology: Feeds on fish but also a scavenger. Has a rather funny sounding call, sounding like a whining baby.
Local Status: Common resident
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Found throughout Singapore, often but not restricted to coastal area and sites near waterbodies.
Photos:
External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Brahminy Kite)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Haliastur indus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22695094A93489054.en. Accessed on 19 December 2021
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.