All About Black Kites

SPECIES Black Kite
TAXONOMY Milvus migrans
STATUS Least Concern (Redlist)
Least Concern (NT, QLD)(ala.org.au)

A.k.a. Black Kite, Kite-Hawk, Fork-Tailed Kite, Kimberley Hawk, Allied Kite, 

Although native to Australia, the Black Kite is also found across many other continents and considered to be the most abundant bird of prey in the world.  Most at home in the skies, they soar effortlessly while patrolling for available food.
They are one of the few raptor species which will gather in flocks that seize upon opportunities to feed where abundant sources are available. Black Kites have been seen during locust swarming. Being attracted to fire, they have recognised that escaping prey is one such occurrence. They will also scavenge the carrion left as a result. 

Habitat

Found throughout Australia, the Black Kite prefers warmer regions and is resident in a variety of habitats including wetlands, river edges, shrub, open grasslands, and woodlands. They generally avoid dense forests and high mountains. In some parts of the world, they will migrate in winter. 
They are known to frequent human settlement and will scavenge rubbish tips and abattoirs. 

Feeding

The Black Kite is strictly carnivorous. Their endless soaring and agility enable the capture and consumption of prey whilst in flight. As both predator and scavenger, they feed on a wide variety of small animals, birds, insects, and any available carrion that presents. 

Behaviour

Black Kites are social and often seen in small groups. In winter, they will form large communal roosts. They hunt by day and will spend hours in flight gliding and soaring as they search for food. Although they will venture into human territory, they are not dangerous to humans.
They are monogamous and as with other raptors perform a ritualised aerial courtship with their mate. This involves loud calling, grappling of talons, and tumbling in flight. They have a distinctive call and communicate with it frequently. Black Kites nest in isolated pairs and will defend their nests aggressively.

Appearance

Black Kites are a medium sized bird of prey where both the male and female have similar plumage. They weigh up to 940 grams with a length of 55 centimetres. They have varying shades of brown; from pale on the face, across the wings, and lower body; to almost black on the outer flight feathers which are mottled at the base. Their wingspan can spread up to 150 centimeters. The tail is long, forked, and the feathers barred. In flight, the wingtips droop slightly.
They have dark brown eyes and eye patches, an almost black bill, and a yellow area of skin around the nostrils. The legs are yellow and the claws are black.
Juveniles are generally lighter in colour.

Reproduction

Sometimes nesting in groups, both the male and female of each pairing will work together to build a robust nest made of sticks, twigs, and lined with soft material. Laying a clutch of up to three eggs, they will share incubation duties which can take up to 34 days. 
Hatchlings are covered in pale brown down until feathers begin to appear after 18 days. Chicks are able to stand at 18 days, flap wings at 27 days, and will take flight at around 50 days. Both parents will care for the young.
Black Kites reach a lifespan of up to 28 years in their natural environment. Breeding occurs after their second year. 

Threats

In Australia, Black Kites are generally uncommon but may be increasing in numbers due to land clearing which increases access to prey such as rabbits and small birds. They have few natural predators.
As scavengers, one key threat is poisoning from ingesting carrion that has been exposed to chemical eradication as a method to reduce rodent populations in agriculture. Another key threat is vehicular strike while feasting roadside.
Cases of electrocution caused by perching on overhead electric cables as well as birdstrike events at airports are not uncommon.