Yellow-billed kite (Milvus aegyptius)-2242

The yellow-billed kite (Milvus aegyptius) is one of the most common birds of prey on the African continent, and arguably the most visible. It was until recently thought to be a subspecies of the Eurasian black kite (Milvus migrans), but DNA tests has shown they have separated enough genetically to be considered separate species. They are very similar in appearance, and their range overlap when black kites migrate south from Europe and Asia and into Africa during the northern winter. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at the beak. The yellow-billed kite has an all yellow beak, whereas the black kite has a black tip to its beak.

It is a medium-sized bird of prey, reaching an average length of 55 cm (22 in) and a wingspan between 160-180 cm (5ft 3 in – 5ft 11 in). It is an all brown bird often with a lighter grey-brown head. It has a forked tail, as is often synonymous with kites although not always the rule. The all yellow-beak is the bird’s most telltale feature, and makes it easy to identify in the field.

Yellow-billed kites can be found almost anywhere, and is sometimes more common to see outside of protected areas than within because of a lack of competition from other species. It is, however, also quite common within protected areas. The only habitats avoided by this bird are dense forests, true deserts, and mountains at high altitudes. Urban areas suits this bird well, as it is incredibly opportunistic in its behavior. Diet is varied, and it will feed on any prey small enough to be caught and eaten, such as small mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. Carrion is regularly eaten, as well as human leftovers and scraps. It is not uncommon for yellow-billed kites to swoop down and steal food from under the nose of humans, sometimes even directly from their hands.

For more information, please visit wildlifevagabond.com/africa/birds/birds-of-prey/kites/yel...

Taken on: August 20, 2019

Tags:

birds

flight

raptor

yellow-billed kite

wildlife photography

jav61 photography

jav61 « less

Sets appears in: • Birds

Groups appears in: • ***The Wildlife Photography • The Nature Conservancy more » • we love wildlife • Wings Of The World • The Worlds Best Nature, Wildlife, And Macro Photography • Nature...Anything Goes • Birds Photos - Check out the new discussions! • Birding In The Wild • MARIPOSAS&BIRDS&FLORA&FAUNA&BUTTERFLY • The Birds Of Flickr • Birdshare • Sony Alpha Bird Photographers • National Geographic Wild Life • National Geographic | World Wide • Natural Landscape & Wildlife Photos • Animals/Birds of Planet Earth • Nature of the World Unlimited (9000+ Invite your friends!) • National Geographic Group • Wildlife Award - Post 1, Award 2 • World of Birds • Mordus de photos Nature • ! * Fantastic Nature Group *Moderated* » Post 1 and Award 1 « • Wild Bird Photography • Sony Alpha - Colores de México y el mundo • Wildlife Photographs • Nature and all that is beautiful • Nature and Animals (Wild Only) • SONY A9 (ILCE-9) « less

Camera: Sony ILCE-9, f/6.3, 1/1000 sec, 312mm, ISO 200 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Sony ILCE-9
Lens:	FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Aperture:	f/6.3
Exposure Time:	0.001 sec (1/1000)
Focal Length:	312mm
ISO:	200
Exposure Bias:	+1 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Spot
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic 8.4 (Windows)
Show full info

Stats: 1,438 views / 7 comments

Link to this photo view:
Link to this photo large view: