BRAHMINY KITE / RED BACKED SEA EAGLE

Description:

The Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), also known as the red-backed sea-eagle in Australia, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. They are found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. They are found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands where they feed on dead fish and other prey. Adults have a reddish-brown plumage and a contrasting white head and breast which makes them easy to distinguish from other birds of prey.

Habitat:

The breeding season in South Asia is from December to April. The nests are constructed of small branches and stick with a bowl inside and lined with leaves, and are sited in various trees, often mangroves. They show considerable site fidelity nesting in the same area year after year. In some rare instances they have been seen to nest on the ground under trees. A clutch of two dull white or bluish-white oval eggs are laid. Both parents take part in nest building and feeding but it is suggested that only the female incubates.