Often seen hovering above open grassland while hunting, a distinctive behaviour among Australian raptors.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatThe black-shouldered kite ( Elanus axillaris ), also known as the Australian black-shouldered kite , is a small raptor found in open habitats throughout Australia.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Marc Anderson
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
202189approx records
6states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Underparts white with two black patches on underwing, extending from
Behavior
The primary call is a clear whistle, uttered in flight and while hovering. The species forms monogamous pairs, breeding between August and January.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
Victoria
Western Australia
New South Wales
South Australia
Northern Territory
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory