Black Kite - Milvus migrans

The Black Kite is a migratory bird, hence its name migrans which comes from the Latin migro (emigrate). It returns to France in March and stays here for around six months before heading off back to the southern Sahara. It mainly feeds on dead aquatic animals. However, it takes full advantage of the consumer society by visiting landfill sites. It may hunt small prey as well.

First chick hatched at Le Rocher des Aigles: 1^st July, 1987

CLASS : Aves
ORDER : Accipitriformes
FAMILY : Accipitridae
WINGSPAN : 1.5 m
WEIGHT : 570-940 g
CLUTCH SIZE : 2-3 eggs
INCUBATION : 26-38 days
LIFE EXPECTANCY : 20 years
DIET : carrion, small mammals, birds, fish, insects and amphibians
NATURAL HABITAT : semidesert, prairies, savannahs and woodland areas
RANGE : Europe, Asia, Near East, Africa, Australia

Conservation status info

 

LC : Least Concern

Historically the species has undergone decline due to poisoning, shooting and water pollution from pesticides and other chemical products. In Europe and some regions in Asia, poisoned carcasses and water pollution still pose a threat to the species.