BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE

The Black-shouldered kite is a small and elegant raptor found in various parts of Australia. It is a striking bird with a predominantly white plumage. It is named for the distinctive black markings on its shoulders and upper wings, which contrast with its white body. The tail is also white with a black subterminal band. It has bright red eyes and a hooked beak.

Black-shouldered kites are commonly found in a range of open habitats, including grasslands, agricultural fields, wetlands, and coastal areas. They are often associated with areas that provide suitable hunting grounds.

These kites primarily feed on small mammals, especially rodents, but they also consume insects, birds, and reptiles. They are known for their hovering hunting technique, where they hover in the air, facing into the wind, and watch for movement on the ground below. Once they spot prey, they dive down to catch it.

The hovering behavior of the black-shouldered kite is one of its most distinctive features. It hovers in place with rapid wingbeats, maintaining a nearly stationary position in the air. This allows the kite to closely monitor the ground for potential prey.

Black-shouldered kites build nests in trees, shrubs, or sometimes on man-made structures. The nests are often made of sticks and lined with softer materials. They lay a clutch of eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and caring for the young.

The black-shouldered kite is endemic to Australia and can be found across most of the mainland and Tasmania. It is more common in the northern and eastern parts of the continent.

The black-shouldered kite has cultural significance in some Indigenous Australian cultures, where it may be featured in stories or art.

Overall, the black-shouldered kite is a beautiful and agile raptor known for its unique hovering hunting behavior and its ability to thrive in diverse habitats across Australia.