Black Kite

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Black Kite in the UK

A scarce migrant that breeds across mainland Europe and overshoots to Britain in spring. Reports have risen: an average of 17 a year from 2000 to 2009, and about 25 a year since 2010. It became regular enough that the national rarities committee stopped assessing it from January 2006, and records are now judged by county committees. It has not colonised, though with Red Kites now widespread and Black Kite common just across the Channel, many birders expect a breeding attempt. Escaped falconry birds and misidentified Red Kites cloud the picture, so claims are examined closely.

Where and when to see a Black Kite

Most are seen from April to June, on warm days with light southerly or south-easterly winds. Kent is the most productive county, followed by the rest of the south and east coasts, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Odd birds reach Scotland, and one stayed on mainland Shetland in spring 2015. Inland records are few. Nearly all are fly-overs seen for minutes, picked up by someone watching the sky from a coastal viewpoint from mid morning, once raptors start to soar. Check any kite that looks dark and compact.

Habitat, diet and field notes

Habitat: Open country (passage).
Diet: Carrion, fish.
Field note: Forked tail less deep than Red Kite.

How to identify a Black Kite

Slightly smaller and more compact than a Red Kite, with shorter, broader wings and a shorter tail. The whole bird is dull dark brown, with none of the rufous tones of Red Kite. The tail fork is shallow and disappears when the tail is spread, leaving a straight or slightly notched edge. From below, the pale patch at the base of the primaries is dull and indistinct. Red Kite shows a bold white window there. The wingtip has six clear fingers. Flight is loose and buoyant, with the tail twisting as a rudder, like Red Kite.

Call and song

Usually silent in Britain. On the breeding grounds it gives a high, quavering whinny, a whistle that breaks into a trembling trill, quite unlike a Buzzard's mew. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.

Confusion species

• Red Kite: Red Kite has a long, deeply forked rusty tail, a pale head and big white patches under the wingtips, though worn or juvenile birds can look darker and shallower-forked.
• Marsh Harrier: A dark female Marsh Harrier has a rounded, unforked tail and a cream crown, and glides with its wings raised in a V.
• Common Buzzard: A dark Buzzard has shorter, rounder wings, a short fanned tail and soars on raised wings without twisting its tail.

Related guide UK raptors and owls.

Conservation status and Birdedex points

In the Birdedex the Black Kite is a Rare tier bird, worth +8 points when you log one. It is not on the Red or Amber lists in Birds of Conservation Concern 5.

Recent UK sightings

Similar birds

• Red KiteUncommon · Farmland
• Red-footed FalconRare · Open country (rare passage)
• Eurasian WryneckRare · Open woodland (passage)
• Long-tailed SkuaRare · Open sea (autumn passage)
• Pomarine SkuaRare · Open sea (passage)
• Red-rumped SwallowRare · Open country (spring overshoot)

Black Kite: quick answers

Has a Black Kite ever been seen in the UK?

Yes, many times. It is seen every year, with about 25 reports annually in recent years. Most are single birds moving through on one day.

What is the difference between Black Kite and Red Kite?

Colour and tail. Red Kite is rusty with a pale grey head, a deeply forked orange tail and white wing windows. Black Kite is plain dark brown with a shallow fork and dull underwings. A dark-looking Red Kite in poor light catches people out every spring, so check the tail shape and underwing before claiming one.

What does a Black Kite eat?

Almost anything it can scavenge or catch: carrion, dead and dying fish, small mammals, large insects and scraps from rubbish tips. In much of its range it feeds around towns, rivers and landfill sites.

Kit that helps

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