BirdUp · Species
Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus axillaris(Latham, 1801)
Updated
- Order
- ACCIPITRIFORMES
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Elanus
At a glance
The Black-shouldered Kite is a large bird, about 35 cm long, listed as Least Concern and endemic to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 35 cm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Origin
- Endemic
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Endemic
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a Black-shouldered Kite look like?
The Black-shouldered Kite is a large bird, about 35 cm long and weighing 181–365 g.
The black-shouldered kite, also known as the Australian black-shouldered kite, is a small raptor found in open habitats throughout Australia. It resembles similar species found in Africa, Eurasia and North America, including the black-winged kite, a species that has in the past also been called "black-shouldered kite". Measuring around 35 cm (14 in) in length, with a wingspan of 80–100 cm (31–39 in), the adult black-shouldered kite has predominantly grey-white plumage and prominent black markings above its red eyes. It gains its name from the black patches on its wings. The primary call is a clear whistle, uttered in flight and while hovering. It can be confused with the related letter-winged kite in Australia, which is distinguished by the striking black markings under its wings.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
03 · When
When to look
When can you see a Black-shouldered Kite?
The Black-shouldered Kite is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a Black-shouldered Kite eat?
The Black-shouldered Kite feeds on terrestrial invertebrates and terrestrial vertebrates, usually foraging in pairs or flocks or alone.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
5 photos
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