Black Kite

Black Kite

Scientific Name: Milvus migrans

Local Name: Cheel (Hindi and Bengali), Paria parandu (Tamil), Sirium (Sindh)

 What does it look like?

Description: 

The Black Kite is a medium-sized raptor (bird of prey). From a distance, it appears almost black, with a light brown bar on the shoulder. The plumage is actually dark brown, with scattered light brown and rufous markings, particularly on the head, neck and underparts. The tail is forked and barred with darker brown. This feature gives the bird its alternative name of Fork-tailed Kite. The eye is dark brown and the bill is black with a yellow cere (area of skin around the nostrils). Both sexes are similar. Young Black Kites are generally lighter in colour than the adults, and have a comparatively shallower forked tail.

Where does it live?

Distribution: 

The Black Kite's range covers India to about 2500 m in the Himalayas, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,  Myanmar. The Black Kite is arguably the most numerous species of raptor in the world.

Habitat: 

The Black Kite is a confirmed commensal of man and usually found in the neighbourhood of human in-habitation, whether populated city or outlying hamlet.

What does it do?

Feeding: 

The Black Kite preys on lizards, earthworms, mice, disabled or young bird, and offal and garbage.

Breeding: 

Black Kites nest in isolated pairs or in small, scattered colonies. As with other raptors, a ritualized aerial courtship display is performed by both sexes. This involves loud calling, grappling of feet (talons), and tumbling or cartwheeling. The nest is a bulky cup of sticks, lined with softer material, and is placed in the fork of a tree branch (generally close to the trunk). The female incubates the eggs while the male provides food.