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whistling kite

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Whistling Kite
Scientific Name: Haliastur sphenurus
Description: The Whistling Kite is a medium-sized raptor (bird of prey) with a shaggy appearance. It has a light brown head and underparts, with pale streaks, and dark sandy-brown wings with paler undersides. The underwings have a characteristic pale 'M' shape when open. The head and body are relatively narrow and the tail is rounded. The wings are long and well-rounded, with a wingspan of 120 cm to 145 cm. The sexes are similar, but the females are larger. Yong birds are slightly darker above, with paler streaking on head and underbody. They are often seen near water or around farms, soaring in a lazy circling flight pattern.
Similar species: Several other raptors may be confused with the Whistling Kite, including the Little Eagle, Hieraaetus morphnoides, other kites and harriers. These can only be separated by factors such as flight silhouette and style and the overall body shape.
Distribution: The Whistling Kite is widespread over mainland Australia but uncommon in Tasmania, and is also found in New Guinea, the Solomons and New Caledonia.
Habitat: The Whistling Kite is found in woodlands, open country and particularly wetlands. It is also common around farmland, vineyards and anywhere where carrion (dead animals) can be found (e.g. abattoirs, rubbish dumps and roadsides). Prefers tall trees for nesting.
Feeding: Whistling Kites soar above the ground, trees and water to search for prey such as carrion (dead animals) and small live animals such as mammals, birds, fish and insects.
Breeding: The Whistling Kite appears to be monogamous, with some breeding pairs remaining in a territory throughout the year and pairs actively defend the area around a nest. The bulky nest platform is built of sticks in a tall tree and may be reused, growing larger over time. Both sexes build the nest and incubate the eggs (the female does most of the incubation however) and may breed two or three times a year. The young stay with the parents after fledging for about six to eight weeks.
Calls: Loud descending whistle: 'teee-ti-ti'.
Minimum Size: 50cm
Maximum Size: 60cm
Average size: 55cm
Average weight: 770g
Breeding season: July to January in south; March to October in north.
Clutch Size: One to three, usually two.
Incubation: 38 days
Nestling Period: 46 days
(Source: www.birdsinbackyards.net)

© Chris Burns 2018
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This image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, republished, downloaded, displayed, posted or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying and recording without my written consent.

Taken in: Australia / Queensland / Barcaldine (show map)

Taken on: October 8, 2017

Tags:

Whistling Kite

Haliastur sphenurus

raptor

bird

Australian bird

fauna

Australian fauna

hawk

Nikon D500

Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports

Sigma TC-1401 1.4x TELECONVERTER NIK

Barcaldine

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Sets appears in: • Barcaldine Birds • Birds more » • Raptors « less

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Camera: Nikon D500, f/6.3, 1/1250 sec, 600mm (=900mm), ISO 320 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D500
Lens:	150.0-600.0 mm f/5.0-6.3
Aperture:	f/6.3
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/1250)
Focal Length:	600mm (35mm equivalent: 900mm)
ISO:	320
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	No Flash
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 (Windows)
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