The Sexy Black Shouldered Kite

I adore birds.  Growing up with a family that were twitchers allowed me to explore and discover the fluffy creatures.  Living in Jozi, Durban, and Cape Town. I was fortunate enough to live with a huge amount of different birds.  And then all my safari trips, I have just loved learning about birds.  I have many favourites.  I don’t even have a top 10, its more like a top 20!  But I do have a soft spot for the Black-Shouldered Kite.  This raptor is small, smart, and sexy!

Let us enjoy the Black-Shouldered Kite:

The Black-Shouldered Kite is one of Africa’s most captivating birds. With its striking appearance and impressive hunting skills, this raptor stands out among the continent’s avian species.

What they look like:

First and foremost, its physical characteristics are a sight to behold. The Black-Shouldered Kite has a sleek white body, with distinctive black patches on its shoulders and red eyes that give it a fierce look. Its wingspan is relatively broad, and when in flight, it glides gracefully across the African skies. Those incredible red eyes make him super sexy!

What it eats:

Moving on to its behavior, the Black-Shouldered Kite is a skilled hunter. It primarily feeds on small mammals, such as mice and rats, making it a valuable bird in controlling pest populations. Additionally, it also eats insects, small birds, and reptiles, showcasing its adaptability in various environments.

Who it hunts:

One of the most fascinating aspects of this bird is its hunting technique. It hovers in the air, scanning the ground below before diving sharply to capture its prey with precision.

Where do you find them :

When it comes to habitat, the Kite is found across various regions in Africa, from savannas to open woodlands. It prefers areas where it can easily spot prey from above, making open landscapes ideal.

Now, let’s delve into five top facts about the Black-Shouldered Kite:

1. Versatile Diet: Equally, small mammals, also consume insects and small birds, displaying a diverse diet.
2. Incredible Vision: Its keen eyesight allows it to spot prey from high altitudes, making it an efficient hunter.
3. Territorial Bird: The Kite is known for defending its territory fiercely, especially during the breeding season.
4. Unique Flight Pattern: Its ability to hover in one spot while hunting is a distinctive feature, setting it apart from other raptors.
5. Widely Distributed: This bird can be found across Africa, thriving in various habitats from grasslands to farmlands.

In conclusion, this Kite is not just another bird; it’s a vital part of the African ecosystem. Its hunting prowess and adaptability make it an incredible species to observe and study. If you’re interested in African birds, the Black-Shouldered Kite should be on your list.