Details
Milvus migrans
Black kite is a bird associated with forests, grasslands, freshwater habitats, urban edges and coasts. It is carnivorous and often found in loose groups. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Its range is represented here by the Palearctic, the Afrotropics, the Indomalayan realm and Australasia, where it uses forests, grasslands, freshwater habitats, urban edges and coasts. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.
Typical wingspan 130-155 cm, weight 560 g-940 g. It has a feathered bird body plan, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.
It is mostly active by day and often found in loose groups. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.
It is carnivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in forests, grasslands, freshwater habitats, urban edges and coasts, so movements often follow available food resources.
During the breeding season it nests, incubates eggs, and feeds the young after hatching.
Recorded scientifically as Milvus migrans. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.
