Black Kite
BLACK KITE
Milvus migrans lineatus
Family Accuoutrudae
accidental
Bird #502 - February 2017
This bird is a migrant that is not usually seen in the Philippines. They are frequently seen in Hong Kong. There were two individuals seen by Richard Ruiz in Laoag in 2017. The Black Kite is bigger than the Brahminy Kite. Richard pointed out that they can be told apart at a distance in flight by looking for the big, triangle-shaped tail.
This individual is the subspecies lineatus and is sometimes regarded as a separate species Black-eared Kite Milvus (m.) lineatus.
We were able to observe only one Black Kite. We saw it perched in the trees, perched on the beach, hunting, and stealing tilapia from the Brahminy Kites. We were watching it from a very comfortable, covered viewing deck overlooking the estuary.
Read MoreMilvus migrans lineatus
Family Accuoutrudae
accidental
Bird #502 - February 2017
This bird is a migrant that is not usually seen in the Philippines. They are frequently seen in Hong Kong. There were two individuals seen by Richard Ruiz in Laoag in 2017. The Black Kite is bigger than the Brahminy Kite. Richard pointed out that they can be told apart at a distance in flight by looking for the big, triangle-shaped tail.
This individual is the subspecies lineatus and is sometimes regarded as a separate species Black-eared Kite Milvus (m.) lineatus.
We were able to observe only one Black Kite. We saw it perched in the trees, perched on the beach, hunting, and stealing tilapia from the Brahminy Kites. We were watching it from a very comfortable, covered viewing deck overlooking the estuary.
charlz castro
on May 3, 2022Thank you for confirming that the Balck Kite is also found in the Philippines. I found your link in my search for info about the hawk that used to hover in circles high above our house in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya when I was a slingshot-carrying boy trying to guard our newly hatched chicks from hawks. The photos of the Black Kite are more reminiscent of the bird that used to threaten our chickens than the photos of the Brahminy Kite that show a white head. -- charlz castro 5/03/2022