Birds
grijze wouw tegen een blauwe lucht

Black-winged Kite

Black-winged Kite

75
19 hours ago
Spotted
The Black-winged Kite is a small, elegant raptor with striking black shoulders and crimson eyes. It is renowned for its hovering flight, often seen suspended in mid-air over open grasslands. This agile hunter primarily preys on small mammals and insects.
Where to spot
Found across various open habitats in Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, especially southern Europe. Look for them in grasslands, savannahs, agricultural fields, and semi-deserts, often perching on isolated trees, power lines, or bushes.
How to spot
Watch for its characteristic hovering behaviour, often facing into the wind. Identify it by its pale grey and white plumage with prominent black 'shoulders' (wing coverts). Look for its buoyant, graceful flight and swift dives to catch prey.
When to spot
Black-winged Kites are generally resident year-round in warmer climates. In some cooler parts of their range, they may undertake short-distance movements or disperse during harsh winters. Early morning and late afternoon are good times for observation.
08404 Grijze Wouw / Black-winged Kite
grijze wouw tegen een blauwe lucht
08404 Grijze Wouw / Black-winged Kite
Credits: Vlaskop
grijze wouw tegen een blauwe lucht
Credits: By Yndesai - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38552256
This kite has exceptionally keen eyesight, allowing it to spot small prey from high altitudes while hovering. Its ability to remain stationary against the wind is one of the most efficient among raptors.
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Spotted

Recently spotted
438 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
19 hours ago

Monthly observations

1 observation
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Simeon
Simeon
2 years ago
Black-winged Kite
Renesse, Zeeland
Spotted Black-winged Kite
Spotted Black-winged Kite
+90
Lifer
De 12 provincies
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