Bird
Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleusAlso known as Black-shouldered Kite
The Black-winged Kite is a small pale raptor with dark shoulder patches, long pointed wings, and striking red eyes. It frequently hovers over open ground before dropping onto prey.
Hovering RaptorRodent HunterOpen-country Bird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMice, Shrews, Grasshoppers
Predators
- Larger raptors
- Owls
ThreatsRodenticide exposure, collisions, and loss of hunting ground
HabitatsGrasslands, farms, savannas, wetlands, and open scrub
Life spanOften about 6 to 10 years
Classification
- OrderAccipitriformes
- FamilyAccipitridae
- GenusElanus
- SpeciesElanus caeruleus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Watch from a distance and never approach an occupied nest.
Responsible observation
- Hover: Scan above rough grass for a stationary pale raptor.
- Eyes: Use binoculars to see red eyes and black shoulder patches.
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Found in Collections
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Mystic Meadows
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