How to identify kites
6 minute read
Meet some of Australia’s most charastmatic birds of prey. This How-to guide will help you identify the adult of all six species by focusing on unique body features and flying styles.
Black Kite
The adult Black Kite soars on flat to slightly bowed wings, with a tail that twists and turns as it flies. Look out for its mostly dark brown feathers, pale face and forked tail that is squarish in appearance when unfurled. If it’s close, you’ll see its yellow legs too. Can hang out in large groups (sometimes totalling over 100 birds).
Location: most of mainland Australia except south-west WA and SA
Black-shouldered Kite
This smaller bird of prey uses quick wing beats to hover in the air with its feet dangling down. The Nankeen Kestrel is the only other common bird of prey that does this. Look out for this kite’s red eye, mostly white feathers and black wing tips, that look like black shoulders when folded.
Location: most of mainland Australia
(keep an eye out for it as you drive down a freeway surrounded by farmland)
Brahminy Kite
This kite can be identified easily by its chestnute coloured feathers and white face and chest. You will also see broad and short wings, and a short rounded tail.
Location: coastal areas of northern NSW, QLD, NT and northern WA
Letter-winged Kite
It looks a little bit like a Black-shouldered Kite (above) but has some noticeable different features. You will see its mostly white feathers but no black wing tips and a black pattern under both of its wings.
Location: arid and semi-arid regions of Australia including QLD, NT, and SA
(may travel to the coast in search of water if there’s a drought)
Square-tailed Kite
You will notice that this kite is often gliding on v-shape wings quite close to the tops of trees. Look out for the black band on its fingered wings, wing edges and tail. The adult also has mainly rufous body and a white face and cap.
Location: most of mainland Australia except for the bulk of SA
Whistling Kite
If you notice a double M, it’s a Whistling Kite - wings are often bowed in an M-shape when it soars and there is an m-shaped pattern under the wings. You will also see a rounded tail that fans out and twists as it flies. And you may also hear its unique call.
Location: all of mainland Australia and central Tasmania
Weekend Birder episodes
Learn more about kites and other birds of prey in these short podcast episodes:
