The_Black_Kite

Black kites are most often seen gliding and soaring on thermals as they search for food. The flight is Buoyancy and the bird glides with ease, changing directions easily. They will swoop down with their legs lowered to snatch small live prey, fish, household refuse and carrion, for which behavior they are known in British military slang as the shite-hawk. They are opportunist hunters and have been known to take birds, bats,and rodents.They are attracted to smoke and fires, where they seek escaping prey.It has been claimed in native Australian beliefs, that kites spread fires by picking and dropping burning twigs so as to flush prey.The Indian populations are well adapted to living in cities and are found in densely populated areas. Large numbers may be seen soaring in thermals over cities. In some places, they will readily swoop and snatch food held by humans.Black kites in Spain prey on nestling waterfowl especially during summer to feed their young. Predation of nests of other pairs of black kites has also been noted.Kites have also been seen to tear and carry away the nests of Baya weavers in an attempt to obtain eggs or chicks.

Collected.