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Black soldier kite8/27/2023 ![]() ![]() When hunting, it might hover just above the ground, then swoop down to capture its prey, or it might wait patiently on a perch, before dropping to snatch a meal from the ground. However it also hunts small birds, lizards, and large insects, such as grasshoppers. This lovely and graceful kite dines mostly on small rodents, particularly the introduced House Mouse. This is likely due to more open areas being created as forests and other habitats are altered, and the introduction of prey animals, such as non-native rodents. It is widespread and common throughout most of its range, and over the years, its population has actually increased both in distribution and in numbers. The Black-shouldered Kite is categorized as a species of Least Concern. When it soars, it holds its wings in a dihedral, which is another way of saying in a "v" shape. Like the American Kestrel, or other members of this genus, it is able to hover in one spot. ![]() It is considered to be diurnal (active during the day), crepuscular (active during right before dawn and after dusk) and it is occasionally nocturnal, too! It roosts, or rests in groups with other kites. The Black-shouldered Kite is active at all times of the day. If you ever find yourself in Black-shouldered Kite habitat, be sure to scan the dead upper branches of a tree, or the tops of power pole, where it sometimes likes to perch. It can be found in grasslands, wet savannas, sand dunes along the coast, croplands, and open woodlands with tall grass. It makes its home throughout the island and is a denizen of open country. The Black-shouldered Kite is endemic to Australia. It also provides citizen scientists a way to participate in raptor science and conservation. And, finally, our support of the Global Raptor Information Network gives raptor researchers tools to more efficiently conduct their own studies while contributing to a global program. We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists around the world gather and share important information on raptor conservation. Though The Peregrine Fund does not work directly with Black-shouldered Kites, our efforts in scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development help conserve birds of prey around the world. ![]()
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