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Whistling KiteAlternative name: "Whistling Hawk" Aboriginal name: "kirrkie" |
Sightings
One can see Whistling Kites frequently in the area of Narrabri, New South Wales. The ones shown below were seen in winter, soaring above paddocks. Whistling Kites are one of the most common types of raptor seen by us at the local rubbish tip.
Regularly spotted by us above paddocks while driving by. Also seen on a trip to outback NSW and South Australia in March 2008.
Note how the colour pattern depends on the angle of the infalling sunlight (more so than noticeable in other bird species).
Seen by us in October 2008 having a go at a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.
In July 2010 a nesting pair took up permanent residency near Narrabri Lake.
Photos
Approaching Whistling Kite seen from almost straight underneath (click on image for larger version)
Whistling Kite seen from behind (click on image for larger version)
Soaring Whistling Kite (click on image for larger version)
Whistling Kite in flight (click on image for larger version)
Whistling Kite with the day's catch in its talons (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of a Whistling Kite in flight
Whistling Kite trying to gain height with powerful wing beats
Nest
The nest shown below was found about 20 m above ground in a huge river red gum, near a major highway in an urban environment.
Whistling Kite on its nest (click on image for larger version)
Here the partner bringing new nesting material (click on image for larger version)
Habits
Whistling Kites are the clean-up brigade in many places. In 2005 we observed a family of four hunting - two soaring high with an overview, two coming in low above the trees - they found the carcass of a still-born lamb, on which they then fed.
Narrabri Lake hosts a lot of waterbirds, such as Egrets, Ibises and Spoonbills and various types of Cormorants. The area is also the territory of a pair of Whistling Kites.