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Brahminy Kite

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 10-20 years
Body size
  • Length: Approximately 50-60 cm (20-24 inches)
  • Wingspan: Approximately 130-155 cm (51-61 inches)
  • Weight: Around 0.8-1.2 kg (1.8-2.6 lbs)
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Found in South Asia, including Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
  • Habitat: Prefers coastal regions, estuaries, and river valleys. It is commonly seen near large bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and marshlands.
Diet
  • Fish: Their primary food source.
  • Birds: Often caught when they come to drink or rest near water bodies.
  • Mammals: Including small mammals like rodents and occasionally larger prey when opportunistic.
  • Reptiles: Occasionally other reptiles, including snakes and lizards.
  • Crustaceans: Such as crabs and crayfish, particularly in coastal and estuarine habitats.
Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

The Sri Lankan Brahminy Kite, a striking bird of prey, is a captivating sight in the skies of Sri Lanka. Known for its graceful flight and distinctive plumage, this raptor is a significant part of the island’s avian diversity.

Physical Characteristics: The Brahminy Kite is easily recognizable with its contrasting colors. Adults have a white head and breast, while the rest of their body is chestnut brown. Their wingspan ranges from 110-125 cm (43-49 inches), and they typically weigh between 380-600 grams (0.84-1.32 lbs). Their sharp talons and hooked beak make them adept hunters, while their keen eyesight allows them to spot prey from great heights.

Habitat: This kite species inhabits a variety of environments, including coastal areas, rivers, lakes, and marshes. They are often seen soaring above water bodies and open landscapes. In Sri Lanka, they are common along the coastline and in inland wetland areas, where they find ample food and nesting sites.

Diet: The Brahminy Kite has a varied diet that includes:

  • Fish: Their primary food source, often caught by skimming the water surface.
  • Small Mammals: Including rodents and small terrestrial animals.
  • Birds: Occasionally preying on smaller birds.
  • Reptiles: Such as snakes and lizards.
  • Carrion: They are also scavengers, feeding on dead animals.

Their hunting technique involves soaring high and scanning the ground or water below for potential prey, which they capture with swift and agile movements.

Behavior: Brahminy Kites are typically seen alone or in pairs. They are known for their territorial nature and often engage in aerial displays to assert dominance and attract mates. During the breeding season, they build large stick nests in tall trees or on cliffs, where they lay one or two eggs.

Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, the Brahminy Kite has a stable population across its range. However, habitat destruction and pollution can pose threats to their habitats and food sources, making conservation efforts essential.

Lifespan: In the wild, Brahminy Kites typically live between 10-15 years. In captivity, they can reach similar ages with proper care.