Brahminy Kite

Overview

The Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), also known as the red-backed sea-eagle, is a medium-sized bird of prey found across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It is a familiar sight in the skies of its range, typically inhabiting coastal areas and inland wetlands.

Identification

• Measures 45–51 cm in length with a wingspan of 109–124 cm and a weight of 320–673 g.
• Distinctive chestnut plumage contrasting with a white head and breast, and black wing tips.
• Juveniles are browner but possess a rounded tail, unlike the forked tails of black kites.
• Call is described as a mewing 'keeyew'.

Habitat

Found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands, with a distribution spanning Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and as far south as New South Wales, Australia. It is widespread and resident in many parts of its range, though it performs seasonal movements associated with rainfall in some areas.

Diet

Primarily a scavenger that feeds on dead fish and crabs, especially in wetlands and marshland, but it occasionally hunts live prey such as hares and bats. It may engage in kleptoparasitism by stealing prey from other birds and has been recorded taking advantage of Irrawaddy dolphins herding fish to the surface.

Did you know?

In rare instances, the Brahminy kite has been recorded feeding on honey at the hive of Apis florea.