Milvus migrans
The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized raptor, easily identifiable by its dark brown plumage, often appearing almost black in flight, with a distinctive pale patch on the underside of its primary flight feathers. Adults measure 47-60 cm in length, boast a wingspan of 115-155 cm, and weigh between 630-940 g. Its tail is noticeably forked, though less so than its close relative, the Red Kite, and often appears squared-off when fanned. As one of the most widespread raptors globally, i...
Highly adaptable, Black Kites frequent open woodlands, river valleys, wetlands, and urban fringes, often near water bodies. They thrive across diverse elevations, from sea level to high mountain valleys.
Highly opportunistic, Black Kites consume carrion, fish, insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and human refuse, primarily obtained through scavenging or aerial hunting.
Black Kites are primarily diurnal, spending much of the day soaring effortlessly on thermals, often in large, loose flocks, before congregating at communal roosts in the evening. Their foraging strategies are highly opportunistic, including aerial hawking of insects, snatching fish from the water...
The Black Kite boasts an extraordinarily widespread distribution, encompassing vast swathes of Europe, Africa, Asia, and parts of Australasia. Breeding populations stretch across temperate Europe (excluding the far north), across North Africa, and extensively throughout sub-Saharan Africa. In Asi...
Least Concern
- The Black Kite is considered one of the most abundant raptors in the world, with a global population estimated in the millions. - They are master scavengers, frequently seen circling over human settlements, landfills, and abattoirs. - Black Kites are known for decorating their nests with 'troph...