Milano negro

1. Nombre del ave
The Black Kite, also known by its Latin name Milvus migrans, is a bird of prey notable for its elegant flight.

2. Aspecto
Black Kites are surprisingly not entirely black in coloration. Their body color ranges from light brown to dark chocolate. The head is slightly paler in comparison to the rest of the body, featuring a considerable degree of streaking. The most recognizable feature is its forked tail, which is unique among raptors and has a distinct reddish-brown hue. Both sexes are similar in appearance, although size varies, with females being typically larger.

3. Tamaño
On average, Black Kites measure 60 cm (24″) in length, and possess a wingspan of 140-150cm (around 55-59″). The weight generally falls within the range of 500g-1200g (1.1-2.6lb).

4. Hábitat y distribución
This species boasts an extensive geographic range. From Europe, Asia, and Australasia to Africa, this bird of prey has a notable presence. These birds thrive in different ecosystems, including open grasslands, wetlands, lightly wooded areas, and urban environments.

5. Datos de interés
The Black Kite’s excellence in flight is due to its skill in exploiting thermals and wind currents, soaring and gliding with minimal effort. They also exhibit a scavenger tendency, often seen hovering around city dumps or catching food items tossed into the air. In ancient Rome, the Black Kite was seen as a symbol of the god of war, Mars, due to its aggressive and fiery approach in scavenging activities.

6. Dieta
This omnivorous raptor has a diverse diet including rodents, fish, insects, and small birds, as well as carrion. They’ve been known to snatch food from humans and other animals, thanks to their acrobatic prowess.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
The Black Kite is social, often seen in large groups while feeding or during migration. Their call is characterized by a repeated, shrill, and high-pitched whistling sound. They engage in a dramatic aerial courtship display, involving diving, spiraling, and tumbling

8. Estado de conservación
The Black Kite is rated as ‘Least Concern’ according to the IUCN Red List. Despite being widely hunted and suffering from habitat loss in parts of its range, its global population remains stable.

9. Vida útil
In the wild, Black Kites typically have a lifespan of up to 20 years. In captivity, they can live slightly longer, thanks to regular food supply and lack of natural predators.

10. Notas adicionales
In some African nations, the Black Kite is known as ‘Afrikaanse Wouw.’ Their natural pest control abilities help maintain a healthy ecosystem, keeping rodent populations in check. However, their scavenger lifestyle sometimes brings them into conflict with humans, as they’re often seen stealing food and even shiny objects!