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Black-shouldered Kite

(Elanus axillaris)
Size: 35-38 cm; wing span 80-95 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Black-shouldered Kites are found basically anywhere on the Australian continent. Found also on island in the Bass Strait and along the north coast of Tasmania. They are rarest in the most arid part of the continent, from about the Pilbara region in WA to the Nullarbor, where they probably venture only in good years, when prey is in abundance.

Black-shouldered Kites are versatile hunters in habitats ranging from open woodland to desert environments. They are often seen hovering above open grassland (e.g. paddocks) and agricultural crops.

Sightings

Black-shouldered Kites are amongst the most common raptors in the area of Narrabri, NSW. They often have favourite perches high up in treetops where they sit regularly looking for prey. Seen by us regularly in various locations in inland NSW. Seen by us regularly since 2003.

A family with three juvenile birds was observed by us 20 km east of Narrabri in October 2010. The young ones were screeching, begging for food with such a volume that one could find them from about half a kilometre away.

Although, according to field guides, as abundant in coastal areas as inland, Black-shouldered Kites were first spotted by us on the NSW coastline - at Urunga, NSW, - only in January 2011.

Photos

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Black-shouldered Kite perched high up in a eucalypt tree; as seen from slightly below, the bird appears to be almost entirely white

Slightly different viewing angle of the same bird as above

Almost frontal view of an adult bird on its regular perch

More lateral view of the same adult bird as above

Black-shouldered Kite in flight having a good look around

Frontal view of a Black-shouldered Kite hovering above a paddock

Black-shouldered Kite seen from behind

Juvenile Black-shouldered Kite

Here an immature bird seen from behind

Three juvenile Black-shouldered Kites waiting to be fed...

... even in the air the racket they were making did not stop

Two immature birds waiting to be fed; these were of an age that they also hunted for themselves, but the parents were still feeding them

Immature bird hovering...

... and now preparing to strike

Here a different phase of the wing beat - note also the bee...

The prominent alulas (feathers sticking out at the location of the wing joint) are typical of Black-shouldered Kites

Immature Black-shouldered Kite with its "landing gear out" (larger version available only on request)

Habits

In June 2006 we saw a pair of Black-shouldered Kites hunting together along a roadside, both facing into the wind and hovering across the grass verge of the road.

Pair of Black-shouldered Kites hunting together

Food

All raptors are carnivores. Black-shouldered Kites prey mostly on small reptiles and mammals, e.g. mice.

Immature Black-shouldered Kite landing with its prey

Closer view of an immature Black-shouldered Kite with its prey

Immature Black-shouldered Kite, now plucking the mouse apart