Black-winged Kite in Rajaji National Park

Hello all, Welcome to the Jungle Safari Rajaji National Park blog page. Rajaji National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range in Uttarakhand, India, is renowned for its rich avian diversity. Among its many feathered residents, the Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) stands out as a captivating sight for bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike.

Habitat and Range

The Black-winged Kite prefers open grasslands, marshes, and agricultural areas, making Rajaji National Park an ideal habitat. Its range extends across much of Africa, southern Europe, and Asia, including the Indian subcontinent where it is a common resident.

Physical Characteristics

This small raptor is notable for its striking appearance:

  • Plumage: The Black-winged Kite features predominantly pale grey plumage with a white head and underparts.
  • Wings: As its name suggests, it has distinctive black shoulder patches on its wings, visible during flight.
  • Size: It is relatively small, measuring around 35-38 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 80-95 cm.
Black-winged Kite
Black-winged Kite

Behavior and Feeding Habits

The Black-winged Kite is often seen perched on exposed branches or hovering gracefully over its hunting grounds. It is a skilled hunter, feeding primarily on small mammals like rodents, insects, and occasionally small birds. Its hovering ability, aided by a keen sense of sight, allows it to spot prey from great heights before swooping down swiftly for the catch.

Black-winged Kite
Black-winged Kite

Breeding Season and Nesting

In Rajaji National Park, the breeding season for Black Winged Kites typically begins around February to March. They build their nests using twigs and grass in trees, often near water bodies or open areas where prey is abundant. The female usually lays 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for about a month. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young chicks until they fledge, usually after about 4-5 weeks.

Black-winged Kite
Black-winged Kite

Conservation Status

While the Black Winged Kite is currently categorized as least concern on the IUCN Red List, its populations can be threatened by habitat loss and pesticide use in agricultural areas. Conservation efforts within Rajaji National Park focus on maintaining suitable habitats and monitoring population trends to ensure the continued presence of this graceful raptor.

Black-winged Kite
Black-winged Kite

Birdwatching Tips

For birdwatchers visiting Rajaji National Park, spotting the Black-winged Kite can be a rewarding experience:

  • Best Time: Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for birdwatching.
  • Locations: Look for them perched on tall trees along the riverbanks or hovering over grasslands and agricultural fields.
  • Equipment: A pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens are recommended for observing and capturing their distinctive features.
Black-winged Kite
Black-winged Kite

Conclusion

The Black Winged Kite adds to the avian diversity that makes Rajaji National Park a haven for nature enthusiasts. With its elegant appearance and fascinating hunting techniques, it continues to inspire awe and admiration among visitors fortunate enough to witness its presence in this scenic wildlife sanctuary.

FAQs About Black-winged Kite

1. What does a Black-winged Kite look like?

Black-winged Kites are small, with adults reaching about 14 inches long with a wingspan of up to 3 feet. They’re mostly grey or white with sharp black markings on their wings, shoulders, and around their eyes. Their long, pointed wings extend past their tail when perched.

2. Where do Black Winged Kites live?

These Kites are adaptable and can be found in open areas like grasslands, savannahs, pastures, and even some agricultural lands. They can even live in urban areas, frequenting parks, golf courses, and roadsides.

3. What do Black Winged Kites eat?

They are insectivores, primarily hunting grasshoppers, crickets, and other large insects. They’ll also take lizards, rodents, and sometimes even small snakes and frogs.

4. How do Black Winged Kites hunt?

They use a two-pronged approach. They can hover like a kestrel, searching for prey, or they can fly slowly like a harrier, scanning the ground.

5. How do Black-winged Kites breed?

These birds are monogamous and quite territorial during breeding season. Males establish territories and attract females with noisy courtship displays. The female builds a nest of sticks in a tree and lays 3-4 eggs. She incubates them while the male hunts for food.

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