Kites ID Guide

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Black Kite

Mostly dark brown feathers with a pale face, yellow legs and a forked tail that looks square-ish when unfurled. Soars on flat or slightly bowed wings.

Black-shouldered Kite

Mostly white feathers with dark tips to its wings, and a red eye. Will hover above the ground with quick wing beats and dangling feet.

Brahminy Kite

Chestnut coloured feathers with a white face and chest, broad and short wings and a short rounded tail. Soars and glides on flat or slightly raised wings.

Letter-winged Kite

Mostly white feathers with black underwing pattern, and white wing tips. Like the Black-shouldered kite, will hover above the ground with its feet dangling down.

Square-tailed Kite

White face and cap, and black banding on fingered wings and tail. Often glides on v-shape wings low over treetops.

Whistling Kite

Dark fingered wings, rounded tail and an m-shaped pattern under its wings. Glides on bowed m-shaped wings. Famous for its unique call.