Whistling Kite

Images ©:
©Bob Winters

Haliastur sphenurus

Medium-sized raptor, up to 60 cm. Shaggy appearance. Light brown head and underparts, with pale streaks. Dark sandy-brown wings, with paler undersides. Head and body are relatively narrow. Tail is rounded. Wings are long and well-rounded, with a wingspan of 120 cm to 145 cm. Sexes are similar, but females are larger.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Raptor
Biology

Breeding season: July to January in the south, and March to October in the north. Clutch size is one to three. They appear to mate for life. The bulky nest platform is built of sticks in a tall tree and may be reused, growing larger over time. Both sexes build the nest and incubate eggs (females do most of the work). Pairs actively defend the area around the nest.
Distinctive Markings

The underwings have a characteristic pale 'M' shape when open.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Falconiformes
Family
Accipitridae
Genus
Haliastur
Species
sphenurus

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Whistling Kites tend to be found singly or in pairs, but sometimes gather in larger groups, particularly during nomadic movements, at roost sites and at sources of plentiful food.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Carnivore. Feeds on small mammals, birds, fish, insects and carrion (dead animals).
Habitat

Found in woodlands, open country and wetlands.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Audio
Sounds
Loud descending whistle "teee-ti-ti", which it often makes in flight.