You may confuse the black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus) for an owl with its owl-like facial characteristics! These birds are very common and you might even spot them while you are out on a walk. These beautiful birds have grayish-white plumage. Their shoulder portions and the tips of their wings are colored black. This is a unique feature because usually the kites you see around are brownish. They have intimidating eyes that are forward-facing and have red irises. How spooky! Their long wings appear elegant when they fly. Due to the black shoulder patches, this bird is also known as the black-shouldered kite. They are distributed in various regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe as well as Asia. They have many subspecies that are spread across the world. This species falls into the category of birds of prey meaning that they are spectacular predators. They are diurnal by nature, therefore they are seen often during the daytime. These black-shouldered kites have distinctive features and are rarely seen in city areas. You will mostly see them around desert areas, grasslands, and in high-altitude village areas.Found this article interesting? Check out swallow tailed kite and crowned eagle facts!
Fun Black-winged Kite Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Bats, rodents, shrews, small birds, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g)
How long are they? 12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? White-gray, black wingtips, shoulder patches, and eye strips
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Semi-desert Areas, Open Savanna Grasslands
Locations Sub-saharan Africa, Europe, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Elanus
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Black-Winged Kite Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a black-winged kite?Black-shouldered kites (Elanus caeruleus) are birds of prey. They share similar characteristics with larger birds like eagles. They are often confused with the Australian black-shouldered bird (Elanus axillaris) as well as other birds such as raptors, eagles, and harrier hawks. This species of the black-winged kite is diurnal, meaning that these birds are very active during the day.What class of animal does a black-winged kite belong to?The black winged kite belongs to the class of Aves like other birds and comes from the family of Accipitridae. Their scientific name is Elanus caeruleus. These birds are often confused with the famous Australian black-shouldered kite (Elanus axillaris).How many black-winged kites are there in the world?The population trend for the black-winged kite seems stable due to its wide range distribution. There is no exact number available as of now. However back in 2015 in Europe, there were 1100-2600 pairs, which indicates there were around 2200-5300 mature individuals.Where does a black-winged kite live?The black-winged kite range is distributed in regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, tropical Asia, Spain and Portugal. However, the population of black wing kites (Elanus caeruleus) seems to be increasing in Europe. In tropical Asia, they can be seen in places like Nagaland, Sikkim as well as the Nilgiris.What is a black-winged kite’s habitat?The black-shouldered kite is often seen in open grasslands and semi-desert areas. They are seen in high-altitude regions and these birds always ensure there is water around. They are not migratory however they are nomadic. This depends on the availability of food in the area.Who do black-winged kites live with?These birds roost in flocks on large trees with up to 500 birds. There isn’t much information regarding who they live with, however, they spend most of their years with their mates. They are often seen soaring with other black-shouldered kites. This species of the black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus) is known to roost communally at a particular roost site such as a large tree often during the breeding season. The black-winged kite sound can be a little overbearing.How long does a black-winged kite live?Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding their life span.How do they reproduce?Little information is available regarding how they mate. Their breeding season is from February to August and occurs in the Palearctic region whereas, in other places like Africa and Asia, black-shouldered kites mate as soon as the wet season ends. Both the male black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus), as well as the female, build the nest. The male species brings twigs and finds material and the female will often build the nest. Their nests are built loose and flat and are often seen on tall trees with thorns to protect the babies. On average their nests are built 5-60 ft (1-18 m) above ground. The female species lays about two to four eggs per clutch. Their eggs are pale creamy with reddish spots on them.Both male and female species take turns in incubating the eggs and once they hatch, they both look for food. Initially, the female black-shouldered kite looks after the chicks. The young birds are in the nest for about a month. As they grow older, both parents find food for them.What is their conservation status?The black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus) is widely distributed and therefore considered as Least Concern.Black-Winged Kite Fun FactsWhat do black-winged kites look like?The black-shouldered kite, not to be mistaken with the letter-winged Australian species (Elanus axillaris) looks gracious. They have broad shoulders and mesmerizing eyes. They are often mistaken for other birds of prey like eagles and harriers. This beautiful species is seen hovering in the sky in open grasslands, often preying on small birds. This species is extremely loud. The black-shouldered kite has a white to pale gray body with black-tipped wings. They have black shoulder patches and the sight of a black-winged kite flying is not to miss! They look absolutely ferocious with their bright eyes. Black-winged kite feet are bright yellow and similar for both sexes. They also have really sharp wing-tips.How cute are they?These birds don’t really fall in the category of cute. They are more intimidating. However, the young birds are cuter because of their reddish-brown feathers which help them camouflage in their untidy nests. As the black-winged kite chicks grow within a month, they venture out to fly and return when hungry to be fed by the female kite.How do they communicate?This species is known to produce wailing sounds and engage in various behaviors in order to communicate with other birds. During courtship, they can be seen engaging in fluttering flights as they give out loud calls. Often nuptial chasing and mutual soaring have been observed amongst this species.How big is a black-winged kite?The black-winged kite is 12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm) in length with its broad wings and short tail. The black-shouldered kite (Elanus caeruleus) weighs around 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g). Their beautiful wings have a wingspan of 31-37 in (80-95cm). They look absolutely stunning with their wings spread out while taking a flight. These kites aren’t as big as other kites though, in fact, they are five times smaller compared to the black kite.How fast can a black-winged kite move?There is no information regarding the black-winged kite flight speed.How much does a black-winged kite weigh?The male kite weighs around 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g). These falcon look-a-like birds have striking features. The female black-winged kite is heavier compared to the male. The female can grow up to 11 oz (340 g) whereas the black-winged kite juvenile looks quite similar to adults with grayish shoulders, reddish-brown plumage, and brownish-orange eyes. They weigh less than both adults.What are the male and female names of the species?There are no specific names assigned to either sexes. Their scientific is Elanus caeruleus.What would you call a baby black-winged kite?A baby black-winged kite is called a chick.What do they eat?The black-winged kite food mainly constitutes rodents, grasshoppers, insects, and small birds. Near the coastal sides, this bird may feed on dead fishes. This smart bird perches in exposed areas where it preys on reptiles like worm snakes or rodents. After selecting its prey, it effortlessly flies and lands feet first with its beautiful winds spread in V-shape and attacks the prey. They eat small prey like insects mid-air however if the prey is large, they take it to a branch and devour their meal. They are often seen hunting while the sun is setting.Are they dangerous?No, black-shouldered kites are not dangerous to humans. They are wild birds and stay away from the human population. They seem to become aggressive when they have eggs in their nests.Would they make a good pet?No, the black-shouldered kite is a wild bird. Kites, in general, need lots of space to fly and fresh meat to obtain nutrients. In fact, many wildlife laws make it illegal to own, attack, or harass these birds.What is special about black-winged kites?Its distinctive black wing, striking eyes, and razor-sharp bill add to its intimidating personality. These birds are known for their effortless flying and hovering skills. The black wing feature and straightforward eyes of this raptor seem to confuse people as they almost believe it is an owl! These elegant birds are aggressive yet highly skilled when it comes to hunting.Found heavily distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and Asia, these birds are seen fluttering their wings. Along with this, the black-winged kite cry is loud enough to get your ears ringing. Bird enthusiasts find this bird quite interesting.How does the black-winged kite compare with other kites?The largest kite, the black kite, is five times the size of this species. The black kite is much louder and they are found in abundance in South Asian countries and look extraordinary. Its large body however is intimidating to the viewer.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our red kite facts and Mississippi kite facts pages.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable black-winged kite coloring pages.
What type of animal is a black-winged kite?
Black-shouldered kites (Elanus caeruleus) are birds of prey. They share similar characteristics with larger birds like eagles. They are often confused with the Australian black-shouldered bird (Elanus axillaris) as well as other birds such as raptors, eagles, and harrier hawks. This species of the black-winged kite is diurnal, meaning that these birds are very active during the day.
Fun Black-winged Kite Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Bats, rodents, shrews, small birds, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g)
How long are they? 12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? White-gray, black wingtips, shoulder patches, and eye strips
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Semi-desert Areas, Open Savanna Grasslands
Locations Sub-saharan Africa, Europe, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Elanus
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Fun Black-winged Kite Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Bats, rodents, shrews, small birds, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g)
How long are they? 12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? White-gray, black wingtips, shoulder patches, and eye strips
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Semi-desert Areas, Open Savanna Grasslands
Locations Sub-saharan Africa, Europe, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Elanus
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Fun Black-winged Kite Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Bats, rodents, shrews, small birds, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g)
How long are they? 12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? White-gray, black wingtips, shoulder patches, and eye strips
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Semi-desert Areas, Open Savanna Grasslands
Locations Sub-saharan Africa, Europe, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Elanus
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Fun Black-winged Kite Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Bats, rodents, shrews, small birds, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g)
How long are they? 12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? White-gray, black wingtips, shoulder patches, and eye strips
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Semi-desert Areas, Open Savanna Grasslands
Locations Sub-saharan Africa, Europe, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Elanus
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
What do they prey on? Bats, rodents, shrews, small birds, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g)
How long are they? 12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? White-gray, black wingtips, shoulder patches, and eye strips
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Semi-desert Areas, Open Savanna Grasslands
Locations Sub-saharan Africa, Europe, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Elanus
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
What do they prey on? Bats, rodents, shrews, small birds, and insects
What do they eat? Omnivore
Average litter size? 2-4 eggs
How much do they weigh? 8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g)
How long are they? 12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm)
How tall are they? N/A
What do they look like? White-gray, black wingtips, shoulder patches, and eye strips
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans
What is their conservation status? Least Concern
What do they prey on?
Bats, rodents, shrews, small birds, and insects
What do they eat?
Omnivore
Average litter size?
2-4 eggs
How much do they weigh?
8.11 -8.28 oz (230-235 g)
How long are they?
12.2-13.7 in (31-35cm)
How tall are they?
N/A
What do they look like?
White-gray, black wingtips, shoulder patches, and eye strips
Skin Type
Feathers
What were their main threats?
Humans
What is their conservation status?
Least Concern
Where you’ll find them? Semi-desert Areas, Open Savanna Grasslands
Locations Sub-saharan Africa, Europe, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Elanus
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
Where you’ll find them?
Semi-desert Areas, Open Savanna Grasslands
Locations
Sub-saharan Africa, Europe, Asia
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Elanus
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Elanus
Class Aves
Family Accipitridae
