ID Kites
Australia is home to six different kite species. This visual guide helps you tell them apart by focusing on key features like wing shape, feathers and flight. Included is the Black Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, Brahminy Kite, Letter-winged Kite, Square-tailed Kite and Whistling Kite.
Tap on each image to see a larger version.
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.
Podcast episodes
Learn more about kites and other birds of prey in these Weekend Birder episodes: