Black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus) belongs to the family Accipitridae and is a medium-sized raptor distributed across Africa, South Asia, and parts of Europe. Owing to its wide range and stable population, it is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Morphological Characteristics

The Black-winged Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey, measuring 30–37 cm in length with a wingspan of 77–92 cm. Males weigh between 197–277 g, while females range from 219–343 g.

Its most distinctive feature is the prominent black shoulder patches visible at all ages. The species displays a pale grey upper body, white underparts, and striking black wing coverts that are especially evident in flight. The tail tip is rounded, and its flight is characterized by gull-like gliding. Juveniles appear browner overall, with pale yellow eyes instead of the deep red seen in adults.

^{Black-Winged Kite (flickr)}

Distribution and Habitat

The species occurs widely across most of Africa, South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Iberian Peninsula and southern France. Resident populations are found in countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, India, China, Indonesia, and Spain. In regions including Türkiye, Greece, Italy, and Austria, individuals are observed irregularly as migrants or wanderers.

The black-winged kite favors open savannas, grasslands, scrublands, semi-deserts, and forest edges. In Europe, it is typically found up to 750 m elevation, up to 2,000 m in Asia, and as high as 3,000 m in Africa. It also inhabits farmland and pasturelands shaped by human activity. Dense forests and steep mountainous areas are avoided, but it can exploit recently burned landscapes. Outside the breeding season, individuals roost communally in trees or reedbeds, sometimes gathering in flocks of up to 500 birds.

Behavior and Ecology

The black-winged kite is an adaptable raptor of open landscapes. Primarily diurnal, it also hunts at dusk. It often hunts by perching and scanning the surroundings, or by hovering motionless in the air before swooping down on prey such as rodents, small birds, reptiles, and large insects. Prey is captured by a slow glide with wings raised and feet lowered, followed by a sudden strike.

Although generally sedentary, the species shows nomadic or partially migratory behavior in tropical regions, influenced by rainfall patterns and prey availability. Juveniles disperse from their natal sites into surrounding areas.

^{Black-Winged Kite (pexels)}

Vocalizations

Overall, the black-winged kite is a quiet species with no loud calls. Its vocalizations are thin, high-pitched, and weak, heard mostly during courtship or around the nest. Pairs communicate with a sharp “pee-oo” call, often repeated by males to advertise territory. When threatened, it gives a harsher “kree-uk” note, and in alarm situations emits a whistling scream.

^{The Alarm Call of the Black-Winged Kite (male) (xeno-canto)}

Diet

The species relies heavily on small mammals, especially rodents weighing 40–90 g, though it can take prey up to 160 g. Voles, mice, and rats form the bulk of its diet. It also preys on small birds (such as pigeons, larks, and finches), bats, reptiles (particularly lizards), and insects.

Breeding

The Black-winged Kite usually forms monogamous pairs, though sequential polygyny may occur. Males perform butterfly-like display flights to attract females and defend territories. Nests are built 3–20 m above ground in trees, occasionally in shrubs or on man-made structures like utility poles. Constructed of small sticks and lined with dry grass, the nest typically measures 25–45 cm across.

Clutches consist of 2–6 eggs, most often 3–4, laid at intervals of 1–3 days. The incubation period lasts 30–35 days, mainly undertaken by the female, while the male occasionally relieves her and provides food. Chicks hatch with pinkish-beige down, which is replaced by greyish-brown feathers within a week. Fledging occurs at 30–40 days, though young remain dependent on their parents for 20–60 days afterward.

Conservation Status

The black-winged kite is not considered globally threatened, thanks to its wide distribution, large population, and stable trends. It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The European population is estimated at 1,100–2,600 breeding pairs (about 2,200–5,300 mature individuals), with numbers reported to be increasing.

The species shows tolerance to habitat alteration and thrives in human-modified landscapes such as farmland and pasture. However, in some regions, rodenticides and agricultural pesticides may exert localized negative effects.