Black-winged kite
| Scientific name | Elanus caeruleus |
| English name | Black-winged kite |
| Japanese name | 肩黒鳶 |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | caeruleus |
| Subspecies | -- |
| Full length | 33cm. |
| Distribution | Found from Africa to southern Eurasia and Southeast Asia, and in Japan in Okinawa Prefecture. |
Characteristics
This bird of prey is completely white with black (gray) shoulders. Both sexes are the same color. Its overall length is just over 30 cm. Its upper body is gray to silvery.
Their bright red irises complement their body color perfectly. Their short, sharp, lead-colored beaks are also yellow.
Call of the Black-and-White Kite
It makes a high-pitched "pyu-piyu" sound.
Ecology
Found in agricultural fields and grasslands, including Okinawa in Japan. It preys on small animals such as insects and amphibians.
Habitat
Ishigaki Island
This individual was photographed near agricultural fields on Ishigaki Island. Two birds were perched together on the same tree. Its size and shape are quite different from that of a black kite (Milvus migrans), and it gave me the impression of being more like a kestrel.
Pictures
Introducing a picture of Black-winged kite.
