Common Name: Black Kite
Scientific Name:Milvus Migrans
Local Name:- घार
English Synonyms:- Common kite, Pariah Kite,Black-eared Kite,European Black Kite
Place of Sighting:-
English Synonyms:- Common kite, Pariah Kite,Black-eared Kite,European Black Kite
Place of Sighting:-
Type:-
Status:- Least Concerned ( LC ) on IUCN Red List.
Description
Birds of Prey are Birds that Haunt food primarily via flight,using Keen senses,especially vision.They are defined as birds that primarily haunt vertebrates,including other birds.their talons and beaks tend to be relatively large,powerful and adaptable for tearing flesh.In most cases,the females are considerably larger than the males.
The term "Raptors"is derived from the Latin word rapere ( Meaning to seize or take by force) and may refer informally to all birds of prey,or specifically to the diurnal group.beacuse of their predatory lifestyle,often at the top of the food chain,they face distinct conservation Concerns.
The term " Bird of Prey " has wide meaning that includes many birds that haunt and feed on animals and also birds that eat very small insects.In Ornithology,and the defination used here,the term has a narrower meaning for birds that have very Good Eyesight for Finding food,Strong feet for holding food , and a strong curved beak for tearing flesh.Most birds of prey also have Strong curved talons ( Claws) for catching or killing Prey.
Description
Black kite is Medium size Bird of prey in the family accipitridae, which also include many other diurnal Raptors.Unlike others of the Group,Black kites are opportunistic hunter and are more likely to scavenger.They spend a lot of time soaring and gliding in Thermals in search of food.their angled wing and Distinctive forked tail make them easily to identify.
With a distribution that spread over four continents,the black kite is probably the worlds abundant bird of Prey.Not surprisingly for species with such a colossal rang,up to 12 subspecies have been described,with between six and eight commonly recognized.Despite of their shared name,noe of these subspecies are actually black,but rather have pulmage that varies from moderate to dark brown,with irregular light-brown and rufous marking.The brown to greyish-white head often appears paler than the rest of the body while the cere( bare patch of the skin at the base of the Bill) is yellow.Although bill is typically black through most of its range the african subspeciestend to have yellow bills,hence the species alternative name.In flight ,the long, shallow-forked tail is conspicuous and the feathers on the outer edge of the wings appear open fingered
With a distribution that spread over four continents,the black kite is probably the worlds abundant bird of Prey.Not surprisingly for species with such a colossal rang,up to 12 subspecies have been described,with between six and eight commonly recognized.Despite of their shared name,noe of these subspecies are actually black,but rather have pulmage that varies from moderate to dark brown,with irregular light-brown and rufous marking.The brown to greyish-white head often appears paler than the rest of the body while the cere( bare patch of the skin at the base of the Bill) is yellow.Although bill is typically black through most of its range the african subspeciestend to have yellow bills,hence the species alternative name.In flight ,the long, shallow-forked tail is conspicuous and the feathers on the outer edge of the wings appear open fingered
Habitat, Region, and Climate:-
Black Kites inhabit a broad range of habitats.Most are found in open areas where there is close access to water bodies such as river,ponds or lakes.Black kites are commonly found along river edges which provides necessary resources such as fresh water and fish.Wetland are another habitat that attracts black kites.It has been suggested that they reside in African and Asian Cities because there is high prey abundance such as Roadkill or Rats.
Black kites are rarely seen in natural desert habitats or high elevation mountainous areas.
Black kite nests tend to be located 8 to 15 m above ground ,in forest with close proximity to water or in areas with little tree cover.Black kite prefer mid-canopy parts of tree ,but have seen as high as 30m.
Occasionally ,black kites nests will be located near nests of the closely related red Kites.
Black kite rarely inhabit dense forest.
Feeding Habits ( food ):-
1.Preys on Lizards,Small mammals and Insects especially grasshoppers.It also is a Scavenger and frequent tips in Outback towns.
2.Black Kite also gathers in flocks around bush fires and eagerly pounce on small animals as these flee the flame.
3.Both Live and dead ( carrion ) prey is eaten .
Threats:-
Although still likely to be the worlds most common raptors,the black kite is dwindling in parts of its range,particularly Europe and Asia, as result of Agricultral pesticides,water polloution,carcass poisoning and hunting
Range:-
The black kite is found through most of Africa,Europe and Asia ( except for the sahara,Central China and extreme North ) and in Parts of Indonesia and new Guinea and Australia
Range:-
The black kite is found through most of Africa,Europe and Asia ( except for the sahara,Central China and extreme North ) and in Parts of Indonesia and new Guinea and Australia
Bird House and Nesting
1.They nest colonially in tress and often along with other Water birds.
Genaral Size and Shape:-
1.Head to Tail Length =47to 60 cms.
2.Weight:-650 to 940 grams.Average:- 560 gms
3.Average Wing span 140 to 150 cm
4.The female is marginally larger than the Male but Otherwise the sexes are very similar,while the juveniles are only slightly paler and less uniform in colouration.
Life Span and Longevity:-
1.Average Life span is of 22 year but recorded to live upto 24 year.
2.Weight:-650 to 940 grams.Average:- 560 gms
3.Average Wing span 140 to 150 cm
4.The female is marginally larger than the Male but Otherwise the sexes are very similar,while the juveniles are only slightly paler and less uniform in colouration.
Life Span and Longevity:-
1.Average Life span is of 22 year but recorded to live upto 24 year.
650
Range eggs per season :-
1 to 5 eggs
Importance of birds on Eco System:-
1.Black Kites plays essential role as efficient scavengers within their ecosystem. Helps in Biodegradation ( break Down and Decompose dead plants and/or Animals).
2.Although there are no known benefits of black kites to Human ,Red kites,their closest Known relative ,consume many crop-destroying Pests.In addition They scavenge road kill,which potentially may help to reduce the spread of disease.
