![]() ![]() Breeding behavioursīlack Kites nest in isolated pairs or in small, scattered colonies. The call is a descending whistle 'psee-err' followed by a staccato 'si-si-si-si-si'. They often gather and soar above fires, shooters or workers, watching for flushed prey. Both live and dead (carrion) prey is eaten. Black Kites also gather in flocks around bush fires, and eagerly pounce on small animals as these flee the flames. It also is a scavenger, and frequents tips in outback towns. The Black Kite preys on lizards, small mammals and insects, especially grasshoppers. The Black Kite is arguably the most numerous species of raptor in the world. The Black Kite's range covers the majority of the Australian mainland, as well as Africa, Asia and Europe. No other Australian bird of prey is seen in such large flocks. Although it is more normally seen in small groups, the Black Kite may form huge flocks of many thousands of birds, especially during grasshopper plagues. The Black Kite is found in a variety of habitats, from timbered watercourses to open plains, and is often observed in and around outback towns. Young Black Kites are generally lighter in colour than the adults, and have a comparatively shallower forked tail. The eye is dark brown and the bill is black with a yellow cere (area of skin around the nostrils). This feature gives the bird its alternative name of Fork-tailed Kite. The tail is forked and barred with darker brown. The plumage is actually dark brown, with scattered light brown and rufous markings, particularly on the head, neck and underparts. From a distance, it appears almost black, with a light brown bar on the shoulder. The Black Kite is a medium-sized raptor (bird of prey). ![]() The Black Kite is the most abundant raptor (bird of prey) in the world.
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