A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Elanus axillaris
Black-shouldered Kites are around 36 cm in length and have a wingspan of up to 95 cm (37 in). Adults are a very pale grey with a white head and white underparts. The leading edge of the inner wing is black. When perched, this gives them their prominent black "shoulders". They have orange eyes.
Although reported from almost all parts of Australia, they are most common in the relatively fertile south-east and south-west corners of the mainland, and in south-east Queensland.
This individual was rescued for rehabilitation after it was found on the ground. The Black-shouldered Kite often frets in captivity and adults will often refuse to eat. So whie it is one of the most stunning birds to come into care, it is also one of the most difficult to take care of.
Spotted on Feb 10, 2010
Submitted on Jul 8, 2011
7 Comments
He knows! I'm not sure what, but he knows. Beautiful!
Great photo!!
The eyes amazing shot, very intense facial concentration.
@ KarenL, the eyes are very interesting. We often associate this eye colour with nocturnal birds, and that id very true of the close cousin the Letterwing Kite. However the Black-shouldered Kite is diurnal, although it does often hunt early in the mornings. Either way - its a spectacular look in that white face.
Wow! Those eyes....
Beautiful shot...love the red eyes.
very impressive bird to watch when hunting for food
great snap