A sleek, ghost-grey hunter with black shoulder patches like epaulettes, floating effortlessly above grasslands and open paddocks. Often seen hovering in place, head perfectly still while the wind rushes around it, a tiny white angel with talons.
Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus axillaris
Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy
Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy
Photo: Stephen Goldsworthy
Photo: Peter Dunstan
Bird Description:
Special features:
Masters of the hover. They hold position in mid-air scanning for mice and insects before dropping like a stone to strike. Their ruby-red eyes glow brilliantly when the late sun hits.
Did you know?:
They often perch on fenceposts along the Agnes backroads — a perfect roadside raptor for patient observers.
View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Elanus-axillaris
Habitat: Aerial
Location: Rural Acreage Areas
Size: Medium
Type of bird: Birds of Prey