Black-winged Kite sits atop a perch on a high tree above a field of mustard flowers, awaiting the movement of a mouse or other potential prey species.

Black-shouldered Kite or Black winged Kite is a small and graceful, predominantly pale grey and white, raptor with black shoulders and red eyes. Their primary call is a clear whistle, uttered in flight. Their preferred habitat is open grasslands with scattered trees and they are often seen hunting along roadsides. Black-shouldered Kites are around 35 to 38 cm in length. The sexes are similar, with females only just larger than males. The breeding season is usually August to January. The red eye is marked by a black comma that extends behind it. The nostrils are yellow and the legs and feet are also yellow. Black-shouldered Kites are around 35 to 38 cm in length (13.8 to 15 in) and have a wingspan of between 80 and 95 cm.

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