The Black Kite


The Black Kite is perhaps the most abundant member of the family Accipitridae (eagles, buzzards, kites, and harriers) and is widespread across the temperate and tropical parts of Europe, Asia, and Australasia, although the European population is small compared with that in south Asia.  It is an opportunistic feeder, soaring in thermals looking for birds, bats, rodents, fish, and carrion.  It is attracted to fires where it catches small animals escaping from the flames.  It has a wingspan of up to 1.5 metres and can weigh 1.2 kg.  There are several subspecies.