![]() Gmelin based his account on the "white-bellied eagle" that had been described in 1781 by John Latham from a specimen in the Leverian collection that had been obtained in February 1780 at Princes Island off the westernmost cape of Java during Captain Cook's last voyage. The white-bellied sea eagle was formally described by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788 under the binomial name Falco leucogaster. The white-bellied sea eagle is revered by indigenous people in many parts of Australia, and is the subject of various folk tales throughout its range. Human disturbance to its habitat is the main threat, both from direct human activity near nests which impacts on breeding success, and from removal of suitable trees for nesting. It is ranked as Threatened in Victoria and Vulnerable in South Australia and Tasmania. Although rated as Least Concern globally, it has declined in parts of southeast Asia such as Thailand, and southeastern Australia. Opportunistic, it consumes carrion and a wide variety of animals. Resident from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to Australia on coasts and major waterways, the white-bellied sea eagle breeds and hunts near water, and fish form around half of its diet. Immature birds have brown plumage, which is gradually replaced by white until the age of five or six years. Like many raptors, the female is larger than the male, and can measure up to 90 cm (35 in) long with a wingspan of up to 2.2 m (7.2 ft), and weigh 4.5 kg (9.9 lb). The tail is short and wedge-shaped as in all Haliaeetinae species. The upper parts are grey and the black under-wing flight feathers contrast with the white coverts. ![]() A distinctive bird, the adult white-bellied sea eagle has a white head, breast, under-wing coverts and tail. Originally described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788, it is closely related to Sanford's sea eagle of the Solomon Islands, and the two are considered a superspecies. The white-bellied sea eagle ( Icthyophaga leucogaster), also known as the white-breasted sea eagle, is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Melbourne.Range of both this species and Sanford's sea eagle shown in green, but the latter demarcated within a paler blue circle Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Angus and Robertson, and the National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney. The Birds of Prey and Ground Birds of Australia. Handbook of Australian New Zealand And Antartic Birds Vol. The female incubates the eggs while the male provides food.īlack Kites are generally uncommon, but may be increasing in numbers after clearing and with increases in prey such as galahs, rabbits and starlings. The nest is a bulky cup of sticks, lined with softer material, and is placed in the fork of a tree branch (generally close to the trunk). This involves loud calling, grappling of feet (talons), and tumbling or cartwheeling. As with other raptors, a ritualised aerial courtship display is performed by both sexes. Breeding behavioursīlack Kites nest in isolated pairs or in small, scattered colonies. The call is a descending whistle 'psee-err' followed by a staccato 'si-si-si-si-si'. They often gather and soar above fires, shooters or workers, watching for flushed prey. Both live and dead (carrion) prey is eaten. Black Kites also gather in flocks around bush fires, and eagerly pounce on small animals as these flee the flames. It also is a scavenger, and frequents tips in outback towns. The Black Kite preys on lizards, small mammals and insects, especially grasshoppers. The Black Kite is arguably the most numerous species of raptor in the world. The Black Kite's range covers the majority of the Australian mainland, as well as Africa, Asia and Europe. No other Australian bird of prey is seen in such large flocks. ![]() Although it is more normally seen in small groups, the Black Kite may form huge flocks of many thousands of birds, especially during grasshopper plagues. The Black Kite is found in a variety of habitats, from timbered watercourses to open plains, and is often observed in and around outback towns. Young Black Kites are generally lighter in colour than the adults, and have a comparatively shallower forked tail. The eye is dark brown and the bill is black with a yellow cere (area of skin around the nostrils). This feature gives the bird its alternative name of Fork-tailed Kite. The tail is forked and barred with darker brown. The plumage is actually dark brown, with scattered light brown and rufous markings, particularly on the head, neck and underparts. From a distance, it appears almost black, with a light brown bar on the shoulder. The Black Kite is a medium-sized raptor (bird of prey). The Black Kite is the most abundant raptor (bird of prey) in the world.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |