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Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus
18.9791, 73.0407
Field Notes
Description:
The Black-shouldered Kite is a small and graceful, predominantly pale grey and white, raptor with black shoulders and red eyes. Their primary call is a clear whistle, uttered in flight and while hovering.
Habitat:
Seen at a grassland.
Notes:
Aerial courtship displays involve single and mutual high circling flight, and the male may fly around slowly with stiff exaggerated flaps, commonly known as butterfly-flight. Courting males dive at the female, feeding her in mid-flight. The female grabs food from the male's talons with hers while flipping upside-down. They may lock talons and tumble downwards in a ritualised version of grappling, but release just before landing. All courtship displays are accompanied by constant calling.
Reference Links:
Black-winged Kite
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedMarch 17, 2013
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