Elanus caeruleus.
More a bird of open country than the Black Kite but it is often seen in gardens.
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Black-Shouldered Kite. Elanus caeruleus. More a bird of open country than the Black Kite but it is often seen in gardens. |
| Recognition: Medium large. Pale grey above except for black feathers on the shoulders. The face and underparts pure white. A few black feathers through the eye give a "Chinese" appearance. |
| Distribution: Resident throughout Africa and fairly common generally in our area. |
| Habits: Solitary or in pairs. In addition to its distinctive plumage it has three conspicuous habits. In flight it pauses with wings lifted above the back in a shallow "V". Secondly it is quite the most likely hawk to be hovering, appearing to stand on its tail in the air, with rapidly beating wings. Thirdly after alighting on the top of a tree it raises and depresses its tail vigorously. Feeds on lizards, mice, small birds and insects. Nests in tall trees over a considerable part of the year but relatively little is known on this subject. |
| Call: Silent except when breeding. The young squeak to attract attention and parents warn with harsh screams. |
