Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus
Silhouette: Catherine Yasuda · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderAccipitriformes (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies)
- FamilyAccipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- GenusElanus (Elanus Kites)
- SpeciesElanus caeruleus (Black-winged Kite)
About the Black-winged Kite
The black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus), also known as the black-shouldered kite (not to be confused with the closely related Australian species of the same name), is a small diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae best known for its habit of hovering over open grasslands in the manner of the much smaller kestrels. This Palearctic and Afrotropical species was sometimes combined with the Australian black-shouldered kite (Elanus axillaris) and the white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) of North and South America which together form a superspecies. This kite is distinctive, with long wings; white, grey and black plumage; and owl-like forward-facing eyes with red irises. The owl-like behaviour is even more pronounced in the letter-winged kite (Elanus scriptus), a nocturnal relative in Australia. Although mainly seen on plains, they are sometimes seen on grassy slopes of hills in the higher elevation regions of Asia. They are not migratory, but show nomadism in response to weather and food availability. They are well adapted to utilize periodic upsurges in rodent populations and can raise multiple broods in a single year unlike most birds of prey. Populations in southern Europe have grown in response to human activities, particularly agriculture and livestock rearing. It is now present in Southwest France. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Black-winged Kite in Akagera National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Akagera National Park
African Fish-Eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
Bateleur
Terathopius ecaudatus
Long-crested Eagle
Lophaetus occipitalis
Palmnut Vulture
Gypohierax angolensis
Brown Snake Eagle
Circaetus cinereus
African Harrier-Hawk
Polyboroides typus
Black Kite
Milvus migrans
African Marsh-Harrier
Circus ranivorus
Tawny Eagle
Aquila rapax
Augur Buzzard
Buteo augur
Lizard Buzzard
Kaupifalco monogrammicus
Banded Snake-Eagle
Circaetus cinerascens
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Black-winged Kite in Akagera National Park?
About 30% of wildlife watchers report a Black-winged Kite sighting in Akagera National Park, based on 168 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Black-winged Kite in Akagera National Park?
December has the highest sighting rate for Black-winged Kite in Akagera National Park in our monthly data.