KITES AND HARRIERS BIRDS OF PREY

BLACK KITE

Kites are of a medium size but still classed as birds of prey. They long, narrow wings to enable them to superb, agile fliers. A number of species feeding mainly on carrion instead catching a live prey.

BLACK KITE is often seen on city rubbish dumps in Africa and Asia. This also prevents diseases spreading. It also catches waterside animals and small mammals.

RED KITE also feed on carrion. The beautiful bird has chestnut plumage and a forked tail. It was to be found all over Europe but hunters kept killing it and it is now only in isolated areas. 

SWALLOW TAILED KITE is an elegant and expert flier. It eats while flying and catches small animals from branches and flying insects. It has a black and white plumage and deeply forked tail. It looks like a big swallow.

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FALCON

Falcon caught imagination for centuries. First it was a sport only for kings, especially in the Middle East.  Today it is more widespread.  Falcons are not as powerful as eagles but they have more speed and agility.

 

PEREGRINE

The handsome bird is rare now. The more widely spread species is the peregrine. In the 1950 and 1960 pesticides were introduced in agriculture and these birds suffered greatly. Their eggs had thin shells and therefore the chicks were not healthy.

PEREGRINE CHICKS

Due to conservationists the peregrine had recovered to some extent. They mostly feed on medium sized birds such as rock doves and waterfowls. It strikes with open feet from mid-air in an amazing dive which is known as stoop. Experts think that they reach 180km/h during it.

HOBBY is bird like the peregrine but with red legs. It is an extremely quick flier and chases sometimes flocks of swallows and martins.

MERLIN

MERLIN a small but speedy falcon living in the northern hemisphere. It weighs only100g.It follow small birds in flight and stays with it with every movement until it can kill it.

KESTREL do not rely on speed but they hover over their prey. It will hover, gradually descending in a series of woops when a final dive will ensure the catch.  Kestrels are mostly seen along road sides.

SECRETARY BIRD although belonging to the birds of prey but they are most unusual. It is 1.2m tall and looks more a crane than a hawk. It lives on grassland in Africa where it lives on rodents, insects and snakes. It is mostly on ground but also can fly well soaring over its territory like vultures. When its flies the bird’s long, powerful legs stretch out beyond its tails. The short toes and blunt claws are better for running across the ground. It kills snakes by stamping on it and with its hooked bill holds the prey and tear at its flesh.

Secretary birds built flat nests in low trees. Their name came from long black feathers at the back of their head which looks like an old-fashioned quill pen used by secretary and clerks.