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A medium-sized raptor with a rounded tail unlike other kites.
Not listed
Indigenous: Rufous-Backed Sea Eagle, White-Headed Sea Eagle, Red-Backed Sea Eagle
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeGiant
RarityCommon
HabitatOpen country, coast, woodland edge, river corridors, and thermal-rich skies over fields or ridgelines.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from May to October.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Sathyan Meppayur
Range map
Range map
1770visible hotspots
95572visible records
5states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
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
Juveniles are a darker brownish-black with a paler head and prominent white patches under the wings.
Behavior
Adults are unmistakable with a white head and breast contrasting with otherwise brick brown plumage.
Gallery