SOLITARY ISLANDS
UNDERWATER
RESEARCH GROUP, INC.

Species Index

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Haliastur indus
(Boddaert, 1783)

Common Name: Brahminy Kite

Distribution: Coastal northern and eastern Australia. Widespread along the coastline of tropical Asia.

Ecological Notes: The Brahminy Kite is primarily a scavenger, feeding mainly on dead fish and crabs, especially in wetlands, marshland and along beaches. Will occasionally hunt live prey such as hares and bats. They may also indulge in kleptoparasitism and attempt to steal prey from other birds.

Additional Notes: Often perch inconspicuously for long periods on exposed perches, including rocky headlands, before swooping down onto prey or carrion in the water or on the ground.

References: Atlas of Living Australia at Brahminy Kite Accessed 29 July 2020.
eBird at https://ebird.org/species/brakit1?siteLanguage=en_AU Accessed 24 July 2023.