Black-winged Kite
Winged Kite in Hyderabad ( India)
The winged Kite ( Elanus caeruleus ) is a species of bird in the Accipitridae family ( Accipitridae ). In Central Europe it is a very rare Irrgast which is observed mainly in western and south central Eastern Europe.
Appearance
It reaches a range of 80 to 90 centimeters, and is about 30 to 35 inches long. The weight is 197-343 grams. The largest part of the bird is white, his wings are light gray with black shoulders. His head is relatively large and the tail is very short. In addition, he has bright red eyes and orange - yellow legs.
The rudder flight of Gleitaars is interrupted by short Gleitstrecken. With suitable thermals he floats with V-shaped wings held. He also shakes against the wind, the wing beat is slower than the kestrel. Shock flights are rare with him. Typical of this type is a gradual decrease which is interrupted by Rüttelflügen. Often it is also observed for stand hunting, where he especially likes to sit on high waiting.
Distribution and habitat
To be found in southern Europe in areas in the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal, Spain) and near Soustons in France, in North Africa in Morocco, Algeria and Egypt, but also in the rest of Africa. The breeding population of Europe is composed of about 1,000 to 2,000 pairs. In large parts of South Asia is the subspecies E. c. vociferus ago. In addition, there are four other subspecies on South Asian islands.
Gleitaare are predominantly non-migratory birds, but occasionally they also live as a line birds. They live in open areas such as steppes, semi-deserts or cultural landscapes with scattered trees or tall masts for residences and nesting.
Nutrition
A winged kite feeds on small mammals ( mainly rodents ), various small birds or juveniles of larger birds and reptiles (mainly lizards ). Chance of insects are also on the menu. This he hunts in a slow search flight with occasional shaking or stand hunting.
Reproduction
To be in reproductive division of labor ( the male brings a material that females built it ) built nests on trees. The nest is then usually of three or four eggs, but occasionally there are only two or up to six eggs.