Common Name: Whistling Kite

Distribution: Widespread over mainland Australia, but uncommon in Tasmania. It is also found in New Guinea, the Solomons and New Caledonia.

Ecological Notes: Inhabits woodlands, open country, including heathlands, and particularly wetlands. It can also be observed flying over embayments, estuaries and along the crest of dunes. Whistling Kites prey upon small mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, insects and also feed upon carrion.

Additional Notes: Most prey items are taken either from the ground or from the water surface. It will also pirate food from herons and ibises. Whistling Kites have a shrill whistling call, sometimes repeated frequently.

References: Atlas of Living Australia at Whistling Kite Accessed 24 July 2023.
eBird at https://ebird.org/species/whikit1/ Accessed 24 July 2023.