Haliastur indus
The Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) is an unmistakable medium-sized raptor, often described as striking and elegant. Measuring 43-51 cm in length with a wingspan of 102-124 cm and weighing 320-670 grams, its most defining feature is the brilliant white head and chest, sharply contrasted by a rich rufous-brown body and black primary flight feathers. These distinct markings make it easily identifiable, even from a distance, as it soars over coastal waters or wetlands. Taxonomically, it belongs ...
Primarily found in coastal and wetland environments, including estuaries, mangroves, swamps, paddy fields, and often urban areas near water bodies. It typically occupies low elevations from sea level up to a few hundred meters.
An opportunistic predator and scavenger, its diet primarily consists of fish, crabs, other crustaceans, frogs, insects, small reptiles, birds, and carrion. It often snatches prey from the water surface or scavenges refuse.
As a diurnal raptor, the Brahminy Kite is often seen soaring effortlessly on thermals, scanning for prey or carrion. They frequently congregate at communal roosts at dusk, especially outside the breeding season. Their foraging strategy is highly opportunistic; they snatch fish, crabs, and other s...
The Brahminy Kite boasts an extensive and robust distribution across the Old World tropics, primarily as a resident species with minimal migratory tendencies. Its core breeding range encompasses the Indian subcontinent, stretching throughout Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, M...
Least Concern
- The name "Brahminy" refers to Brahman, the supreme Hindu deity, reflecting the bird's sacred status in some cultures, where it's sometimes considered a living manifestation of Vishnu's mount, Garuda. - It's renowned for its unique foraging technique of snatching fish and other small animals dir...