Brahminy Kite

1. Bird Name
Commonly referred to as the Brahminy Kite, the scientific (Latin) name for this bird is Haliastur Indus.

2. Appearance
The Brahminy Kite is a diurnal bird of prey known for its striking appearance. With a body size ranging from 45-51 cm, the adult bird’s upper parts are chestnut-maroon, and the underparts and head are chiefly white, giving it a sharp contrast. They have yellow and black eyes, a distinctive hooked beak that is bright yellow with a black tip, and rounded wings and tail. There isn’t any significant difference in appearance between males and females.

3. Size
On average, Brahminy Kites range in body length from 45 to 51 cm (17.7-20 inches). These elegant raptors have an impressive wingspan stretching 110-125 cm (43-49 inches). An adult bird weights between 450 and 750g (15.9 – 26.5 oz).

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Brahminy Kite enjoys a cosmopolitan distribution throughout the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Specifically, they are found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia. They prefer coastal and inland wetlands, often spotted soaring above mangroves, estuaries, and along the coastline.

5. Interesting Facts
The Brahminy Kite is often associated with the Hindu culture and folklore and is considered a contemporary representation of ‘Garuda,’ the sacred bird of Vishnu. It has remarkable problem-solving skills and, despite its size, can expertly maneuver through dense mangroves. They are also known to engage in play-like behavior, such as hanging upside down and dropping and catching objects mid-flight.

6. Diet
The Brahminy Kite has a diverse diet that includes fish, crustaceans, insects, small mammals, and reptiles. They are also known for their scavenging behavior, often seen feasting on dead animals or carcasses.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Brahminy Kites exhibit unique behavioral traits, including a distinct flight pattern marked by graceful, buoyant flaps. Their nesting style is fascinating, with both parents contributing to nest building on tall trees near water bodies. The bird’s call is a high-pitched mewing sound, while its in-flight alarm is “klee klee klee”.

8. Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List categorizes the Brahminy Kite as “least concern.” However, numbers in some regions have declined due to habitat loss and human persecution.

9. Lifespan
An average Brahminy Kite can live up to 20-25 years in the wild, with their lifespan slightly increasing when in captivity due to a lack of predators and reliable nutrition.

10. Additional Notes
The Brahminy Kite is known as “elang bondol” in Indonesia and “lawin” in the Philippines. Its role in the ecosystem is crucial as it controls the population of other smaller animals and acts as a scavenger that cleans up the environment. Humans often admire it for its beautiful plumage and majestic soaring; however, the bird doesn’t generally interact with humans unless it’s habituated in urban settings. Despite this, they play a vital role in the cultures of the regions they inhabit, with their images often seen in local art and folklore.