Black Kite

Milvus migrans

Audubon Illustration

John James Audubon, Birds of America (1827-1838). Public domain.

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About the Black Kite

The black kite or fire kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors. It is thought to be the world's most abundant species of Accipitridae, although some populations have experienced dramatic declines or fluctuations. Current global population estimates run up to 6.7 million individuals. Unlike others of the group, black kites are opportunistic hunters and are more likely to scavenge. They spend much of their time gliding in thermals in search of food. Their angled wing and distinctive forked tail make them easy to identify. They are vociferous with a distinct shrill whinnying call. The black kite is widely distributed through temperate and tropical parts of Eurasia and parts of Australasia and Oceania.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name: Milvus migrans
Family: Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
Order: Accipitriformes

Similar species

Other members of the hawks, eagles, and kites family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

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