Australian Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus)

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Whistling Kite flying in VIC by Diliff

Modifications made By Diliff

I recently heard the whistling kite whilst I was enjoying  the beautiful autumn weather down on the property at Lees Lane. I didn’t see it but the sound was so distinctive that I recognised it immediately. It is a classic environment for this whistling kite as it has big old gumtrees, waterways and clear open paddocks. So, lots food and shelter.

DESCRIPTION

The Australian Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) is a medium-sized bird of prey with a pale head, brown body, and long wings. It has a slightly forked tail and a wingspan of about 120–145 cm. Its name comes from its distinctive, high-pitched whistling call. In flight, it glides gracefully with wings held in a shallow V-shape. 

HABITAT

Whistling Kites are found in a variety of open environments, especially near water. Their habitats include wetlands, rivers and lakes, farmlands, and open woodlands and grasslands. They avoid dense forests and deserts.

BREEDING

The breeding season is mainly from July to December, but it can vary by location. Nests are built high in trees from sticks and are often reused each year. Usually, 1–3 eggs are laid per clutch. Incubation lasts about 35 days. Chicks fledge (leave the nest) at around 6–8 weeks old, with both parents caring for them.

BEHAVIOUR

 Whistling Kites are known for soaring in circles on warm air currents. They make a whistling call while flying or perched. They feed on carrion (dead animals), fish, small mammals, reptiles, and insects. They are often seen near roads and waterways, looking for food, and may also be seen around bushfires, searching for prey flushed out by the flames.

By JJ Harrison

CONSERVATION STATUS

The Whistling Kite is classified as Least Concern (LC). It is common and widespread across mainland Australia. Although habitat loss, poisoning from pest control, and pollution are potential threats, the overall population remains stable.

INTERESTING FACTS

Whistling Kites are also found in New Guinea and New Caledonia. In some Aboriginal cultures, they are called ‘firehawks’ because they have been observed spreading fire by carrying burning sticks to flush out prey. These birds are excellent scavengers and help clean up the environment by feeding on dead animals.

REFERENCES

Online resources include:

  • Birds in Backyards
  • E-Birds
  • Wikipedia

Books : “The Complete Guide to Australian Birds'” by George Adams

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