Bird Stories - Difference between Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and the Red Kite (Milvus milvus)

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The Black Kite (Milvus migrans), known as काली चील in Hindi, and the Red Kite (Milvus milvus), or लाल चील, are two distinct species of raptors with some notable differences. Here's a guide to help amateur birders distinguish between them:

Black Kite (Milvus migrans) - काली चील:


Black Kite काली चील (Milvus migrans) Sanjivini Nagar, Jabalpur 2022
Black Kite काली चील (Milvus migrans)
Sanjivini Nagar, Jabalpur
2022

  • Appearance: The Black Kite has predominantly dark brown plumage, with slightly paler underparts. It has a less forked tail compared to the Red Kite, and the tail is often square-tipped when closed. The head appears darker with no distinctive markings.

  • Size: It measures about 48-60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 140-160 cm.

  • Habitat: Black Kites are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, including urban areas, forests, and wetlands. They are often seen soaring or gliding over open areas.

  • Behavior: Known for their scavenging habits, they often feed on carrion, garbage, and occasionally small prey. They are also skilled fliers, often seen gliding effortlessly.

  • Call: They produce a high-pitched whistle, often described as a "whee" sound.

Red Kite (Milvus milvus) - लाल चील:


Red Kite (Milvus milvus) - Ashutosh Jhureley
Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

  • Appearance: The Red Kite is more striking with its reddish-brown body and deeply forked tail, which is a key distinguishing feature. The tail is bright orange-red with dark bands, and the head is paler with a distinctive white face and dark eye stripe.

  • Size: Slightly larger, it measures about 60-70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 175-195 cm.

  • Habitat: Prefers open countryside, woodlands, and farmland. They are less commonly found in urban areas compared to the Black Kite.

  • Behavior: Red Kites are also scavengers but more frequently hunt small mammals, birds, and insects. They are known for their graceful flight and elegant gliding.

  • Call: Their call is a high-pitched, whistling "weeeoo" sound, which is more melodic than the Black Kite's call.

Key Differences:

  1. Plumage: Black Kite has dark brown plumage, while Red Kite has reddish-brown body with a paler head.

  2. Tail: Black Kite has a less forked, square-tipped tail, while Red Kite has a deeply forked, bright orange-red tail.

  3. Size: Red Kite is generally larger with a wider wingspan.

  4. Habitat: Black Kite is more adaptable to urban areas; Red Kite prefers open countryside and farmland.

  5. Call: Black Kite's call is a high-pitched whistle, whereas Red Kite's call is a melodic, whistling "weeeoo."

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