18
Jan
The Yellow-billed Kite is one of Africa’s most widespread and captivating raptors. Known for its seasonal migration, it travels vast distances across the continent to arrive in Kruger around summertime. I was there from November through December and found this particular pair on Olifants Bridge, where you can get out of the car and are also at a good height for soaring raptors.
The male and female Yellow-billed Kites are almost identical in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them. However, observing their behaviour offered me a clue. The way these two kites interacted suggested they were a bonded pair, likely a couple. Yellow-billed Kites are known for their monogamous nature, forming strong, long-lasting relationships.
The Yellow-billed Kite is distinguishable by its sharp all-yellow bill and cere, its forked tail and its angled wings, which you can see when it is in flight. It also has matching yellow feet.
Its plumage ranges from warm dusky hues, which blend well in the African landscape.
Its keen eyesight and angled wings allow it to swoop effortlessly in on its prey, usually small vertebrates.
I witnessed this Kite kill and eat a small bird, mid air!
The resolution is awful on this photo but it gives you the idea.
QUICK FACTS
- Latin: Milvus migrans
- Afrikaans: Geelbekwou
- Height: 55cm
- Weight: 450g-1kg
- Wingspan: 1.6-1.8m
- Migratory: in Kruger Aug-Mar
- Identifiable: all yellow bill and cere, yellow talons, dark brown, forked tail, angled wings
HAPPY BIRDING
You can find more information on the Kruger site. I also picked up a copy of Roberts Bird Guide-KNP, whilst I was in Kruger and it has been invaluable.
Good luck finding the Yellow-billed Kite. Let me know how you go.
Happy birding
N x
