Black Kite

1. Slightly forked tail, less obvious when fully spread

2. Dark reddish-brown plumage with lighter shoulder bar

3. Buoyant, agile flight with wings held in a shallow V and frequent tail twisting

Black Kites are opportunistic feeders, consuming carrion, human refuse, and live prey including small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. Their adaptability to human environments has enabled population increases in some areas. Breeding occurs mainly between July and November, varying regionally. Nests are built in trees using sticks and lined with materials such as rags, plastic, and paper. Females lay 2–3 eggs, incubated for 26–38 days. Chicks fledge after 42–5 days but remain dependent for several weeks. Black Kites can live up to 28 years and reach breeding maturity by their second year.

Black Kites are widespread across Australia except in the densest forests. They are especially common near urban areas, rubbish dumps, wetlands, farmland, and open grasslands. They often gather in large flocks at food sources such as landfills, abattoirs, fish processing plants, and recently burned areas. They are frequently seen soaring over roadsides searching for roadkill or perched on roadside trees and power poles. Morning and afternoon are prime times for observing their active foraging and movement between roosts and feeding sites.