Birds
File:Haliastur sphenurus 2 - Pitt Town.jpg

Whistling Kite

Whistling Kite

100
2 hours ago
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Whistling Kite is a common medium-sized raptor found across Australia and New Guinea, named for its distinctive whistling call. It is often seen soaring and hunting over a variety of open habitats.
Where to spot
Widespread across Australia and New Guinea, also found in the Solomon Islands. It inhabits open woodlands, grasslands, savannas, and particularly favors areas near water bodies.
How to spot
Listen for its distinctive whistling call. Look for its buoyant, soaring flight, often with wings held in a shallow dihedral. It has a relatively long tail and pale underparts.
When to spot
Active throughout the day, often seen soaring on thermals in the mid-morning or hunting in the early morning and late afternoon. Observable year-round.
File:Haliastur sphenurus 2 - Pitt Town.jpg
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) Kakadu.jpg
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) Kakadu 2.jpg
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) in flight Kakadu.jpg
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) on the Serpentine River, Barragup, August 2023 01.jpg
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) on the Serpentine River, Barragup, August 2023 02.jpg
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) on the Serpentine River, Barragup, August 2023 03.jpg
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) on the Serpentine River, Barragup, August 2023 08.jpg
File:Haliastur sphenurus 2 - Pitt Town.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) Kakadu.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) Kakadu 2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) in flight Kakadu.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) on the Serpentine River, Barragup, August 2023 01.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) on the Serpentine River, Barragup, August 2023 02.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) on the Serpentine River, Barragup, August 2023 03.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) on the Serpentine River, Barragup, August 2023 08.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
This kite's characteristic loud, descending whistle call is one of the most familiar bird sounds in the Australian bush, often heard long before the bird is seen.
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7822 (Seen in the last 3 months)
Last spotted
2 hours ago

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