Yellow-billed Kite
Milvus parasitus
Wide ranging. Entirely dark brown with forked tail and yellow soft parts.
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common, intra-African migrant summer visitor and resident. Sometimes considered to be merely a race of [Black Kite]. Can be extremely difficult to distinguish from that species, especially in juvenile plumage. Mature adult distinguished from [Black Kite] by yellow-based bill, brown (not pale greyish) head, dark brown (not pale) eyes and more deeply forked tail. Immature has a black bill (only the cere is yellow) and a less deeply forked tail; often indistinguishable from juvenile [Black Kite] in the field, although sometimes shows more rufous coloration on underparts. While flying sometimes calls ‘kleeeuw’, ending with a trill. Occurs in a wide range of habitats, often in large aggregations at a food source, and mixes with Black Kite. Breeds in southern Africa. 0,6-1kg.
Quick Facts
Size
55 cm - L
Names
A: Geelbekwou
Ss: Mmankgodi Wa Molomosehla
Bird Family
Large, long-winged raptors with 'V'-shaped tails. They spend much of the day flying in leisurely fashion at low altitude while scanning the ground, their tails constantly twisting as they manoeuvre. They feed by scavenging and also catch various small animals.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Occurs in a wide range of habitats, often in large aggregations at a food source, and mixes with Black Kite.
