Whistling Kite
Least ConcernHaliastur sphenurus
Visual Identification
Whistling Kite
Appearance
The Whistling Kite is a medium-sized raptor with distinctive pale brown plumage. Its wings are long and broad, with pale 'windows' visible in flight and a long, rounded tail. The head is lighter than the body, often appearing almost white.
Their legs are short, featherless, and horn-coloured. Their beak is short and grey, with a distinctive hooked tip, and their eyes are black.
Juveniles have streaked underparts and darker overall colouration. There is little difference between males and females in plumage, though females may be up to 42 percent larger. The bird's appearance remains consistent year-round.
Size
Length
50cm to 60cm
Wingspan
123cm to 146cm
Weight
380g to 1.05kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
White Cream
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Whistling Kites are found across Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia. They inhabit a wide range of environments, including woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and coastal areas. These adaptable birds are particularly common near water bodies.
In Australia, they are widespread, occurring in all states and territories. Their distribution may shift seasonally, with some birds moving to coastal areas or towards the north during winter months.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,400 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Whistling Kites have a varied diet, including small mammals, birds, rabbits, reptiles, fish, and insects. They are known for their scavenging behaviour, often feeding on carrion and even stealing food from other birds.
These opportunistic hunters also take advantage of bushfires, catching animals fleeing the flames. Live prey is taken most of the year, but carrion becomes more important in winter.
Behaviour
Whistling Kites are often seen soaring in circles on thermal currents, using their keen eyesight to spot prey. They are opportunistic feeders, frequently scavenging alongside roads or following grass fires to catch fleeing small animals.
These birds are generally solitary but may gather in small groups near abundant food sources.
Vocalisation
The Whistling Kite's name comes from its distinctive call, a clear, descending whistle often described as 'psee-err'. This vocalisation is frequently heard as the bird soars overhead.
During the breeding season, pairs may engage in duets, with one bird initiating the call and its mate responding.
Nesting & Breeding
Whistling Kites form monogamous pairs and breed between June and December in Australia. They often reuse the same nest site for multiple years, adding to the structure each season.
Nests are large platforms of sticks, lined with leaves and placed high in trees, often near water. The female typically lays 2-3 white or bluish-white eggs with brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 35-40 days. Chicks fledge after 44-54 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Whistling Kite typically lives for 8 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 20.4 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Whistling Kite is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss and degradation, particularly in coastal and wetland areas. Pesticide use and secondary poisoning from consuming poisoned prey also pose risks.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting key habitats and reducing chemical use in agriculture.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Not quantified, but widespread in their range
Global Population Trend
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Whistling Kites soaring high in the sky, especially near water bodies or open grasslands.
- Listen for their distinctive whistling call, which is often given in flight.
- Observe them near recent bushfires or along roadsides, where they scavenge for food.
- In Australia, check coastal areas and inland waterways for the best chances of spotting these birds.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Whistling Eagle, Whistling Hawk
Family:
AccipitridaePredators
Adult Whistling Kites have few natural predators, but eggs and nestlings may fall prey to large birds of prey, snakes, and occasionally feral cats.
Did You Know?
- Whistling Kites can live for over 20 years in the wild.
- They have been observed using fire to hunt, picking up and dropping burning sticks to spread fires and flush out prey.
- These birds have excellent eyesight, estimated to be 8 times sharper than human vision.
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FAQs
Is a whistling kite an eagle?
Although it is sometimes referred to as the whistling eagle or the whistling hawk, the whistling kite is a separate species of raptor. Kites are smaller than eagles, and also faster and lighter, and they feed on different prey.
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Haliastur sphenurus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22695091A93488811.
View source - 3
report, 2001: Ferguson-Lees and Christie
- 1
website: ABBBS - Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme
View source