Black-winged Kite facts 🦅 Black-shouldered Kite 🦅 best known for hovering over open grasslands
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2021
- #amazinganimals facts for kids
The black-winged kite, also known as the black-shouldered kite, 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 and the white-tailed kite 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, 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.
This long-winged raptor is predominantly grey or white with black shoulder patches, wing tips and eye stripe. The long falcon-like wings extend beyond the tail when the bird is perched. In flight, the short and square tail is visible and it is not forked as in the typical kites of the genus Milvus. When perched, often on roadside wires, it often adjusts its wings and jerks its tail up and down as if to balance itself. The sexes are alike in plumage. Their large forward-facing eyes placed under a bony shelf that shades them is distinctive; their velvety plumage and zygodactyl feet are characters shared with owls and the genus has been considered as a basal group within the Accipitridae. The inner vanes of the feathers have velvety barbules.
The black-winged kite breeds at different times of the year across its range. Although nesting has been noted throughout the year in India, they appear not to breed in April and May. Males establish territories and defend them from competition. Females move into the territories of males. Studies in Africa found that males were more numerous than females. The nest is a loose platform of twigs in which 3 or 4 eggs are laid. The female spends more effort in the construction of the nest than the male. The eggs are pale creamy with spots of deep red. Both parents incubate but when the chicks hatch, the male spends more time on foraging for food. Females initially feed the young, sometimes hunting close to the nest but will also receive food from the male. After fledging the young birds continue to be dependent for food on the male parent for about 80 days, initially transferring food at perch and later in the air. Young birds have reddish brown feathers on the upperparts and on the breast. The reddish colour is derived from porphyrins and is thought to provide the young birds some camouflage. Once breeding is complete females often move on to new territories sometimes deserting before the young fledge, leaving males to feed and raise the young. Both males and females show considerable nomadism. Unlike most birds of prey, they are capable of raising multiple broods in a year, and young birds are known to disperse widely, adaptations that helps them utilize periodic rodent population surges. Their opportunistic breeding capabilities are also accompanied by irregular patterns of moult. Young birds show "arrested" moult, retaining feathers for a season and then rapidly moulting them in a serial descendent pattern, where more than one primary feather is moulted at the same time. The adult plumage is found after two years.
Their prey includes grasshoppers, crickets and other large insects, lizards, and rodents. Injured birds, small snakes and frogs have also been reported. The black-winged kite flies slowly during hunting like a harrier, but it will also hover like a Kestrel. It has on rare occasions been known to hunt prey in flight. Perches are used for hunting and for feeding but large prey may sometimes be handled on the ground.
How to identify male or female?
Identifying the gender of black-winged kites can be tricky, as they exhibit subtle sexual dimorphism, meaning the physical differences between males and females are not always obvious. Here are some methods you can use, although it's best to combine several observations for the most accurate identification:
Size and plumage:
Females are generally slightly larger than males: This difference is often around 5-10% in body length and weight.
Females may have slightly darker and richer plumage: Their feathers may appear more black, with less brown or gray tinges compared to males.
Females may have broader, more rounded wings: This is not always reliable, but some experts suggest it can be a subtle indicator.
Behavior:
During breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays: These include dives, rolls, and chases, often accompanied by high-pitched calls. Females may occasionally participate but to a lesser extent.
Females may spend more time perched and foraging: While males actively display, females tend to focus on nesting and feeding duties.
Vocalizations: Some studies suggest slight differences in vocalizations between males and females, but this requires trained ears and familiarity with the species.
Physical details:
Sexing through cloacal examination: This method requires experienced bird handlers and should only be performed by qualified professionals. It involves gently examining the internal sex organs.
DNA analysis: This is the most accurate method but requires collecting feather or blood samples and sending them to a lab for analysis. It's generally not recommended for casual observation due to its cost and invasiveness.
Important notes:
Identifying gender based on any single factor can be unreliable. Consider using a combination of these methods for improved accuracy.
Environmental factors and individual variations can affect the expression of sexual dimorphism.
Observing behavior during breeding season can be the most helpful way to differentiate genders.
If you're unsure, consulting a trained ornithologist or birdwatcher familiar with black-winged kites is always recommended.
I hope this information helps you identify the gender of black-winged kites! Remember, patience and careful observation are key to accurately sexing these beautiful birds.
@@AmazingPlanet-Channel woww thanks for the information, I have one Black winged kite but im not sure about the gender i keep it since Brancher now it about to getin mature, I let my bird free fly everydays and keep coming back home, if i can identify the gender i think i will get another one so my bird can breed and had life partner from his/her species 😊
Best of luck Muhammad. So that you can get the pair and help grow the animal kingdom 🤩
Also seek help from local vets or animal enthusiasts.