The Country Diary of a GenX Woman

Whistling Kite

whistling kiteThe Guineas alerted us to another bird of prey and this time it was the Whistling Kite.  It has a similar colouring to the Little Eagle I saw in February, but the long flight feathers on the wing tips are more splayed and the wings are longer and carried straighter.  The underwings have a characteristic pale ‘M’ shape when open.  The bird has a long tail and a wingspan of 120 cm to 145 cm.

According to Wikipedia: Whistling Kites are also known to pirate meals from ibises and heronsand to force large waterbirds to regurgitate their catches.  They regularly patrol roads in search of roadkill, and hover over the edges of grass fires in search of potential prey fleeing the flames.20130609 015

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Inspired by The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady