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Brahminy KiteAlternative names: "Red-backed Sea Eagle", "White-headed Sea Eagle", "Rufous-backed Sae Eagle", "Salmon-hawk", "Rufous-backed Fish-hawk" Size: male 45 cm, female 50 cm; wing span 1.2-1.3 m |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Brahminy Kites inhabit the coastlines around the northern half of the Australian continent, from about Carnarvon, WA, around the top end to the NSW central coast. This includes offshore islands and the Torres Strait. Currently (2011) they appear to be extending their range southward along the NSW coast.
According to field guides Brahminy Kites hunt mostly in coastal mudflats and estuarine mangrove swamps, but we have also seen them on rocky outcrops of small headlands, hunting in rockpools. They are also found on offshore islands.
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Sightings |
Brahminy Kites were first seen by us in July 2009, along the rocky outcrops in various areas of the Queensland coastline. They were always seen hunting in rockpools from low perches.
Also seen by us as far south as Urunga Heads, NSW, in January 2011. In June 2011 seen by us further south along the NSW coast, first at ... point near Old Bar, NSW, then as far south as Wybung Head in Munmorah State Converation Area.
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Photos |
View from behind of a Brahminy Kite
The same bird as above, now with its head turned
Here a lateral view of its head
Brahminy Kite just after takeoff
Brahminy Kite in flight
Here seen from underneath
This one was seen from high up on Wybung Head
Two Brahminy Kites seen on stakes, waiting for the photographer
to clear out
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: Territorial | Mobility: Sedentary | Elementary unit: Solitary/pair |
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Food |
All raptors are carnivores. Brahminy Kites feed on small fish and occasionally other small animals. They also scavenge on carrion.
