This species is also the only nocturnal species within the order Accipitriformes despite few differences found in its visual anatomy to other closely related kites.
WA: Vulnerable
Indigenous: White-Breasted Sparrow Hawk
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeGiant
RarityUncommon
Habitatshrubland, herbaceous graminoids scattered, herbaceous graminoids sparse hummock grasses, sparse woodland, and grassland
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from May to August.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Mike Letnic
Range map
Range map
271visible hotspots
933visible records
5states
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 species begins breeding in response to rodent outbreaks, with pairs nesting in loose colonies of up to 50 birds each. Roosting in well-foliaged trees during the day, the letter-winged kite hunts mostly at night.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
Northern Territory
South Australia
Western Australia
New South Wales
Victoria
Commonly confused with
Black KiteMilvus migransJuvenile averages paler and more contrastingly-marked. Flight style buoyant, gliding and changing direction with ease.→Wedge-tailed EagleAquila audaxSoars high, occasionally in groups, often over mountainous terrain. Frequently feeds on roadkill. Young birds are more golden, and get progressively darker with age.→Square-tailed KiteLophoictinia isuraAdult has a pale head and reddish underparts with black streaks on neck. Juvenile has a more reddish head with less streaking. In flight, tail has obvious square corners with a dark band at the base. Occurs singly or in pairs. At a distance, and particularly when heavily worn, take care to identify juvenile birds from Black Kite, which has more uniformly patterned plumage.→