Haliastur sphenurus
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.
Length
50cm to 60cm
Wingspan
123cm to 146cm
Weight
380g to 1.05kg
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
White Cream
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 1,400 meters
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Whistling Kite. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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