Species

Scientific Name: Milvus migrans
Common name : Black Kite

Bird at a glance

Family: Accipitridae
Size: 44-66 cm
Resident/Migratory: Mainly resident and Migratory.
Status in Indial: (C-common, UC- uncommon, R- rare) C

Looks through Lenses

Identification remarks: medium-sized bird with dark plumage, rufous-brown and slightly forked tail, short head and neck.
World distribution: widespread throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, and is one of the most common raptors in many areas where it occurs.
Distribution in India: Widespread resident. Common all over Country.
Sexual dimorphism: Female slightly larger than male

Ecology

Habitats: urban areas, rubbish dumps, aquastic habitats and grassland
feeding habit: Carnivorus, scavenger

Conservation Status

Global IUCN Status: LC
WPA 1972 Schedule: Schedule 2
State of India's Birds Report: Stable

Did You Know?

Best known for its hovering behaviour while foraging over open habitats, well adapted to utilize periodic upsurges in rodent populations.