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Black Kite

Milvus migrans

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
Black Kite, photographed by Daniil Komov

Photo: Daniil Komov · Unsplash · Unsplash License (licence)

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About the Black Kite

Medium-sized, rather nondescript raptor with overall dark plumage. Varies considerably across range, but always note tail fork (can disappear when tail is fully open), and short head and neck. Juvenile averages paler and more contrastingly-marked. Flight style buoyant, gliding and changing direction with ease. Frequently forages in urban areas, rubbish dumps, aquatic habitats, and grassland, but usually avoids heavily forested areas. Sometimes solitary, but also gathers in large flocks on migration and at good feeding areas.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 172 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

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