by Bob Trask
Also known as the whistling eagle, whistling hawk or chicken hawk, the Whistling Kite is a medium sized bird of prey with an overall length of 50 to 60cm and a wingspan of 120 to 145cm.
As the name suggests, it is clearly identified by its high-pitched whistle call consisting of a descending “seeeeo” followed by a fast ascending sequence of four to seven staccato notes.
Often you will know a Whistling Kite is in the area by its call, before you see it.
Being very skilful flyers, these raptors can snatch their food and eat it in mid-flight.
They have a wide-ranging diet that includes small mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, crustaceans, insects and carrion.
In this image, the beautiful plumage pattern of the Whistling Kite can be seen.
