Black kite

Introduction: Black kite (Milvus migrans) are wanderers, emphasized in their general habitat locations which are primarily woodland. They also include dry areas, shrubland and grassland, even though they are less common there. They arrive in Namibia in large flocks coinciding with the start of the rainy season in October/November, leaving before the rains end in March.

Distribution: Throughout Namibia less for the southern Namib Desert. Larger densities can be observed in the Caprivi, Oshakati/Ruacana Falls region, Etosha National Park and central Namibia.

Diet: Beetles and locusts, carrion, millipedes, fiery-necked nightjar, puff adder, springhare, rodents, poultry, small birds, locusts, termites, bullfrogs and fish caught in shallow water.

Description: Large kite with long wings and a long, forked tail. Their long, sharp talons are on feet which should be larger for a bird of this size. Overall dark brown with a grey head. Milvus is Latin for 'a kite'.

Breeding: Mates for life. Copulation begins at the onset of nest building, made of sticks in a rough basin shape. Between 1 and 3 eggs are laid and incubated for around 38 days.

Size: 55cm.

Weight: 850g.