Hello, fellow wildlife and bird photographers. While I consider myself more of a large animal photographer, and am therefore obsessed with certain large cats, I do enjoy the radiant color of our feathered friends. The camera also loves photos ablaze with crisp blues, sharp reds, and distinct yellows.
I’ve been in Nepal for around ten days, staying in this nice little boutique hotel in the Thamel district of Kathmandu. One of the benefits of this location is two gorgeous Black Kites that hover around in the thermals at various parts of the day. The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is an intriguing species.
Part of the the raptor family Accipitridae, it is distinguished by its brownish-black plumage, lighter streaks on the head, and underparts. One of its most unique features is its forked tail, a characteristic that helps with quick identification and aids in maneuverability during flight. Its wingspan typically measures between 4.1 and 5.1 feet, making it a bird with a relatively substantial presence in the sky.
When it comes to habitat, the Black Kite is exceptionally adaptable, capable of thriving in a multitude of settings, from rural landscapes like fields and wetlands to heavily populated urban centers. This bird’s geographical range is extensive, spanning multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Africa, and even parts of Australia. The adaptability of the Black Kite is partly due to its flexible diet.
They are opportunistic predators, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, and carrion. In populated regions, they also scavenge on human waste and roadkill, making them a common sight near garbage dumps.
In terms of behavior, Black Kites are skilled and agile flyers, often seen soaring at high altitudes or gliding gracefully close to the ground. Although generally solitary, they can form temporary flocks, particularly during feeding frenzies or migratory periods. They construct nests high in tall trees, using a variety of materials, including sticks, leaves, and even human-made objects like string and plastic. The nests are usually the birthplace for 1 to 3 eggs, which are then incubated by both parents.
Black Kites, like many birds of prey, sit relatively high on the food chain and generally have fewer natural predators compared to smaller bird species. However, they are not entirely free from threats.
The Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) is one of the few natural predators capable of posing a significant threat to the Black Kite. A member of the Strigidae family, the Eagle Owl is one of the largest and most powerful owls in the world, with some individuals boasting a wingspan of up to 6 feet. This owl is known for its formidable hunting prowess and broad diet, which includes a variety of mammals, birds, and other vertebrates.
While I had an Eagle Owl scare the shit out of me in rural Kigali, I’ve never seen an Eagle Owl I don’t believe. In areas where both Black Kites and Eagle Owls coexist, the latter may prey on the former, particularly targeting juveniles, fledglings, or injured individuals. Eagle Owls are stealthy and effective predators, usually hunting from a perch and descending silently upon their prey. Their large, strong talons and beak make it relatively easy for them to seize and kill even a robust bird like the Black Kite.
The presence of Eagle Owls can influence the nesting behavior of Black Kites. When selecting a site to build their nest, Black Kites may consider the proximity to known Eagle Owl territories. These raptors prefer to nest in tall trees where they can maintain a vantage point to spot approaching threats, including Eagle Owls.
While the Eagle Owl is a significant predator for the Black Kite, it’s worth noting that Black Kites are generally agile and have keen eyesight, giving them at least some ability to evade predators when airborne. However, their nests containing eggs or fledglings are more vulnerable, as they cannot flee from threats like an adult bird can.
Overall, the predatory relationship between the Eagle Owl and the Black Kite offers an interesting glimpse into the ecological dynamics between different birds of prey. It’s a testament to the Eagle Owl’s formidable hunting skills and the Black Kite’s adaptive strategies for survival.
Conservation-wise, the Black Kite is categorized as being of “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to its large global population and extensive geographical range. However, this status doesn’t mean they are immune to threats. In some regions, their numbers are declining due to habitat destruction, pesticide exposure, and illegal hunting.