The Black Kite, scientifically known as Milvus migrans, is a medium-sized bird of prey commonly found in various parts of the world. As a member of the Accipitridae family, it is closely related to eagles, buzzards, and hawks.
In this article, we’ll discuss the identification of the Black Kite, some similar species, and its different plumages.
Identification
Field
Identification:
The Black Kite is a distinctive bird with several unique field marks. It is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of about 150 cm and a body length of about 50-55 cm.
Its wings are long, narrow, and pointed, and held in a shallow V-shape when soaring. The Black Kite has a dark chocolate brown plumage with contrasting lighter-colored head and neck.
Its tail is slightly forked, with a rounded tip. Similar Species:
The Black Kite can be mistaken for a few similar species such as the Red Kite and the Brahminy Kite.
The Red Kite has a rust-colored plumage, while the Brahminy Kite has a white head and chest. However, both these species have differently-shaped wings from the Black Kite and have different flight patterns.
Plumages
The Black Kite has a few different plumages based on its age and sex. These include:
1.
Adult: The adult Black Kite is dark chocolate brown in color with a contrasting greyish head, neck, and chest. It has striking yellow eyes and a hooked beak.
2. Juvenile: The juvenile Black Kite is light brown with a streaked head and neck.
Its eyes are pale and its beak is less hooked than that of the adult. 3.
Sub-Adult: The sub-adult Black Kite is similar to the juvenile in plumage, but with dark feathers appearing on the wings and back.
Molts
The Black Kite undergoes two molts a year – a partial and complete molt. During the partial molt, the bird sheds and replaces some feathers, while during the complete molt, it replaces all its feathers.
The complete molt occurs between the breeding and wintering seasons, while the partial molt occurs between the winter and breeding seasons. In conclusion, the Black Kite is a fascinating bird of prey with unique features such as a long, narrow, and pointed wing, dark chocolate brown plumage, and a contrasting lighter-colored head and neck.
It has a few similar species but has distinctive flying patterns that help in identifying it in the field. The Black Kite has different plumages based on age and sex and undergoes two molts a year – partial and complete molts.
Systematics History
The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey found in various parts of the world. The scientific name “Milvus” comes from the Latin word for “kite,” while “migrans” means “migratory,” as this species is known to cover significant distances during migration.
The taxonomy of the Black Kite, like other bird species, has undergone several revisions throughout history as researchers have discovered new information about the bird.
Geographic Variation
There is a remarkable geographic variation in the color and size of Black Kites. The Black Kite’s range encompasses much of the old world, from Europe to India, Japan, and Australia.
As a result, there are numerous subspecies of the Black Kite found in different parts of the world, with variations in physical features such as size, wingspan, and color.
Subspecies
There are many subspecies of the Black Kite. Some of the most notable include:
1.
African Black Kite (Milvus migrans parasitus):
This subspecies is found in northern Africa and southern Europe. It is smaller in size and has darker plumage than other subspecies.
The African Black Kite is a non-migratory bird. 2.
Indian Black Kite (Milvus migrans govinda):
This subspecies is found in India and some parts of Southeast Asia. It is larger than the African Black Kite and has brownish-gray plumage.
The Indian Black Kite feeds mainly on carrion. 3.
Black-eared Kite (Milvus migrans lineatus):
This subspecies is found in the northeastern parts of Asia and Japan. It has a distinctive black patch of feathers around its ears, which distinguish it from other subspecies.
Related Species
The Black Kite is a member of the Accipitridae family, which also includes kites, eagles, and hawks. The Black Kite is closely related to the Red Kite (Milvus milvus), and the two species were once thought to be a single species.
However, DNA analysis now confirms that they are separate species, with the Black Kite being more widespread in distribution.
Historical Changes to Distribution
The Black Kite has a long history of population fluctuation and range changes. In the past, this bird was widespread in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and even inhabited parts of Australia.
However, due to habitat loss and hunting, the population began to decline, and the bird is now extinct in some parts of its former range. The European population of Black Kites was severely affected in the 19th century when hunting was at its peak.
However, their numbers have recovered since then, and they are now considered to be common in many parts of Europe. In Australia, the mainland population of Black Kites declined significantly in the early 1900s due to hunting and habitat degradation, but their numbers have recovered since then.
In contrast, the Black Kite population in India has not declined as much as in other parts of its range. This is due to the bird’s adaptability to human-influenced landscapes, which provide food.
The Black Kite has become a common sight in many Indian cities, where they often forage on garbage dumps.
Conclusion
The Black Kite is a fascinating bird species with a significant geographic variation in physical features such as size, wingspan, and color. It has numerous subspecies, each adapted to the specific habitat of a particular region.
The bird’s range has changed dramatically throughout history, reflecting the impacts of habitat loss and hunting. Overall, the Black Kite remains a common sight in many parts of the world and is admired for its beauty and adaptability.
Habitat
The Black Kite is a highly adaptable bird species that can be found in various habitats ranging from urban and suburban areas to forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The species typically favors habitats with access to water, such as riverbanks and lakeshores, where they can find prey such as fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
In urban environments, Black Kites are often found around landfills, where they feed on garbage. In general, Black Kites prefer open habitats such as savannas, open woodlands, and grasslands, where they can hunt prey without obstruction.
They are also typically found in areas with tall trees, which they use as perches and nesting sites. In some parts of the world, such as India, Black Kites are known to build their nests on utility poles and other man-made structures.
Movements and Migration
The Black Kite is a highly mobile bird species, capable of covering great distances in search of food and during migration. While some populations of Black Kites are sedentary, others migrate over long distances in search of prey and breeding sites.
The migratory patterns of Black Kites vary between subspecies and regions. In Europe, Black Kites are mostly migratory and can travel up to 10,000 km during migration.
The birds start their migration in August, with most birds leaving their breeding grounds in northern Europe for their wintering grounds in Africa. Some birds may also migrate to southern Asia and southern India.
In Africa, the Black Kite is a resident bird species in many parts of the continent, but there are also migratory populations that travel between Africa and Europe. The migratory behavior of African populations of Black Kites varies from region to region.
Some birds travel over large distances, while others remain in their breeding areas year-round. In Asia, Black Kites have complex migration patterns.
In India, for example, some populations are resident while others migrate to Southeast Asia and the Philippines. The birds start their migration in September and October and return to their breeding grounds by March or April.
During migration, Black Kites fly in large flocks called thermals, which help them conserve energy and make long flights over vast distances. The thermals occur when warm air rises from the ground’s surface and is replaced by cooler air.
The birds use these updrafts of warm air to gain altitude without expending much energy. This allows them to cover great distances during migration without stopping for long periods.
Important
Breeding Sites
The Black Kite breeds in various parts of its range, with females laying up to three eggs, which they incubate for around 30 days. Both male and female Black Kites participate in the incubation and care of the chicks.
The young chicks fledge from the nest after about 45-55 days. In some parts of the world, such as India, Black Kites are known to build their nests on man-made structures such as utility poles, buildings, and bridges.
In other parts of their range, they build their nests in tall trees or cliffs. In
Conclusion
The Black Kite is a highly adaptable bird species that can live in various habitats ranging from forests to urban areas.
The bird has a complex migratory pattern that varies between populations, with some being resident while others travel long distances in search of food. During migration, Black Kites travel in large flocks called thermals, which help them conserve energy.
Black Kites breed in various parts of their range, and females lay up to three eggs per breeding season. Overall, the Black Kite is an intriguing bird species that continues to fascinate bird enthusiasts all over the world.
Diet and Foraging
Feeding
The Black Kite is a carnivorous bird that feeds on a wide variety of prey. It is an opportunistic hunter, and its diet varies depending on the availability of food.
The bird primarily hunts small animals such as rodents, snakes, and birds but has also been known to prey on invertebrates, fish, and carrion. The Black Kite is also known to scavenge for food, and it can often be seen feeding on roadkill and garbage dumps.
The bird is well adapted to living in urban areas and has learned to thrive on human waste products.
Diet
The diet of the Black Kite varies depending on the subspecies, habitat, and availability of food. In India, for instance, the bird feeds mainly on carrion, insects, and small mammals such as rats and mice.
In other parts of the world, such as Africa and Europe, the bird feeds on fish, frogs, insects, and small birds. The Black Kite uses its keen eyesight to spot prey, and it is also capable of hovering in the air while scanning the ground for food.
When it finds prey, it swoops down quickly and captures it with its sharp talons.
Metabolism and Temperature Regulation
As an endothermic bird species, the Black Kite is able to regulate its body temperature internally. The bird has a high metabolic rate, which helps it maintain a constant body temperature even in cold environments.
The Black Kite is also able to regulate its body temperature by adjusting blood flow to its feet and wings.
Sounds and Vocal Behavior
Vocalization
The Black Kite is a vocal bird species and has a range of vocalizations that it uses for communication and territorial defense. The most common vocalizations of the Black Kite are its piercing scream and its mewing call, which is used during courtship displays.
During territorial disputes, the Black Kite emits a loud screeching call, which is designed to intimidate rival birds. The bird is also capable of making a variety of other sounds, including grunts, cackles, and chatters.
Adult Black Kites communicate with their chicks using a distinctive hissing sound. This hissing sound, which is produced by the adult bird’s wings, is used to indicate that food is on the way.
In
Conclusion
The Black Kite is a highly adaptable carnivorous bird that feeds on a wide variety of prey. Its diet varies depending on the availability of food, and the bird is well adapted to living in urban areas and has learned to thrive on human waste products.
The Black Kite is a vocal bird species and uses a range of vocalizations for communication and territorial defense. These vocalizations range from piercing screams to hissing sounds, which are used by adults to communicate with their chicks.
As an endothermic bird species, the Black Kite is able to regulate its body temperature internally and maintain a constant body temperature regardless of its environment.
Behavior
Locomotion
The Black Kite is a skilled flier and is known for its aerial acrobatics. The bird can soar for hours at a time, gliding on air currents and using very little energy in the process.
When hunting, the Black Kite is capable of making sharp turns and sudden dives to catch its prey. The bird is also capable of hovering in the air while scanning the ground for food.
The Black Kite’s wings are long, narrow, and pointed, which helps it to achieve a high degree of maneuverability during flight.
Self Maintenance
The Black Kite is a clean bird species and spends a significant amount of time grooming itself. It uses its sharp talons to remove dirt and debris from its feathers and preens its feathers with its beak.
The bird also bathes frequently, usually in shallow water sources such as ponds and streams, to keep its feathers clean and healthy.
Agonistic Behavior
During territory disputes, the Black Kite displays a range of aggressive behaviors to protect its territory from rival birds. Some of these behaviors include screeching calls, aerial displays, and physical aggression.
The bird is also known to defend its food aggressively, particularly during the breeding season when food is scarce. The Black Kite will attack any other bird, including members of its own species, that it perceives as a threat to its food.
Sexual Behavior
The Black Kite is a monogamous bird species, and pairs often mate for life. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
These displays involve soaring high in the sky, performing aerial acrobatics, and bringing food to the female. Once a pair has formed, the male and female work together to build a nest and raise their chicks.
Both male and female birds take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks.
Breeding
The Black Kite breeds once a year, generally between March and July, depending on the subspecies and region. The birds usually lay one to three eggs per breeding season, which are incubated for around 30 days.
Both males and females take part in incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks once they have hatched. The fledglings are fed regurgitated food by both parents, and they will remain in the nest for around 45-55 days before fledging.
Demography and Populations
The population of Black Kites has fluctuated throughout history due to habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning. In the past, this bird was widespread in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and even inhabited parts of Australia.
However, due to habitat loss and hunting, the population began to decline, and the bird is now extinct in some parts of its former range. Today, the Black Kite is considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The bird has managed to adapt well to human-altered landscapes such as cities and urban areas and is thriving in many parts of the world. However, some populations of the Black Kite are still at risk due to habitat loss and poisoning.
The widespread use of rodenticides and pesticides in agricultural areas has led to severe declines in some populations due to the loss of prey species and the poisoning of adult birds. In
Conclusion
The Black Kite is a fascinating bird species that displays a range of interesting behaviors such as skilled aerial acrobatics, self-maintenance, and aggressive territorial defense.
The bird is also a monogamous breeder and raises its young with both parents taking care of the eggs and the chicks. Despite facing threats from habitat loss, hunting, and chemical poisoning, the Black Kite has adapted well to human-altered landscapes and is now considered a species of least concern.
However, ongoing conservation efforts are required to ensure the survival of the Black Kite and other bird species. In conclusion, the Black Kite is a highly adaptable bird species that has managed to thrive despite facing several challenges such as habitat loss, hunting, and poisoning.
The bird displays a range of unique behaviors, such as skilled aerial acrobatics, self-maintenance, and aggressive territorial defense, making it an exciting species to study. Its monogamous breeding behavior and cooperative parenting highlight the importance of social bonds in bird species.
However, ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of the Black Kite and other bird species. In understanding the Black Kite’s behavior, diet, breeding, and movements, we can better appreciate the intricate workings of nature and the symbiotic relationships between bird species and their environments.