Common Name: Black-shouldered Kite

Distribution: Mainland Australia.

Ecological Notes: Black-shouldered Kites are usually observed perched on power lines or hovering singly or in pairs above open pastures, fields, coastal heaths and dunes adjacent to beaches. They hunt for small rodents, reptiles and insects.

Additional Notes: The wings are held upright in a V-shape when hovering, before being swept back whilst dropping down and grabbing prey with its talons. Prey items are sometimes eaten while flying to a perch.

References: Atlas of Living Australia at Black-shouldered Kite Accessed 14 August 2023.
eBird at https://ebird.org/species/auskit1?siteLanguage=en_AU Accessed 24 July 2023