Bird · GBIF taxon 2480371
Letter-winged Kite
Elanus scriptusAlso known as Letterwing Kite, Euroka
Letter-winged kites are unique among diurnal raptor lineages for their strictly nocturnal hunting habits, sweeping low over arid Australian grasslands after dark to snatch small rodents. During booming rodent irruptions, these social kites assemble into dense breeding colonies along inland river systems before dispersing across the continent as food dwindles. Flown overhead, their distinct black 'M' underwing markings starkly contrast with their ghostly white and grey plumage.
NocturnalRaptorEndemic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Long-haired Rat
- Long-tailed Hopping Mouse
- House Mouse
Predators
- Feral Cat
- Red Fox
- Masked Owl
ThreatsOvergrazing, introduced predators like feral cats and foxes, and prey depletion during droughts
HabitatsArid and semi-arid grasslands, shrublands, floodplains, and dry watercourses
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAccipitridae
- SpeciesElanus scriptus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by ghostly pale white plumage, ruby-red eyes in dark patches, and bold black markings under the wings.
- Support conservation
- Observe from a distance using binoculars or spotter scopes to prevent disturbing communal roosts in remote inland riverbeds.
Responsible observation
- Spotting at Dusk: Look for roosting groups in coolibah trees along dry inland watercourses at sunset.
- In-Flight Identification: Check the underside of the wings for a clear black 'M' or 'W' mark while gliding.
- Respect Nesting Trees: Avoid approaching communal roosts or active nests during rodent population booms.
Primary Prey 
Competitor (c) caroline legg, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Greg Tasney, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Greg Tasney · cc-by-sa
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