File:Haliastur sphenurus 2 - Pitt Town.jpg

Whistling Kite

100

Not yet spotted on Fladder

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.

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.

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.

Spotted Information Sounds Comments