Black-winged Kite

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Black-winged Kite in the UK

An extreme vagrant so far, with one accepted British record and more awaiting assessment. The first was filmed near Newtown, Powys, on 18 April 2023. The same bird was refound in Norfolk in July and tracked through Suffolk and Essex until 22 July. It is in Category A of the British List. In August 2025 one was at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, for two days, and from September 2025 a bird settled in the Norfolk Broads, where it was still being reported through 2026. The species has spread north through France and has recently bred as far north as Denmark, so more are expected.

Where and when to see a Black-winged Kite

Past birds have used open, flat country with rough grass, grazing marsh, field margins and scattered bushes or posts for perches. The Norfolk Broads have hosted both the 2023 bird, around Hickling and Horsey, and the long-staying bird that followed. Records so far span April to September, with one bird staying through winter. It hunts mostly at dawn and dusk and can sit hidden for hours in between, so early morning and the last two hours of light are best. Check bird news services before travelling.

Habitat, diet and field notes

Habitat: Open country (very rare).
Diet: Mice, lizards.
Field note: Tiny pale raptor; red eye.

How to identify a Black-winged Kite

About the size of a Kestrel but stockier, with a large, owl-like head and a short, square-ended tail. It is pale grey above and white below, with a black patch on the shoulder that shows on the perched bird and black undersides to the wingtips in flight. The eyes are red, set in a small dark mask. It hovers often, like a Kestrel but with deeper, slower beats and dangling legs, and glides with wings raised in a steep V. Juveniles have a brownish wash on the crown and breast and pale-scaled backs.

Call and song

Usually silent away from the nest. It can give thin, high whistles and a harsh, rasping screech, but British birds have been found by sight, not sound. Heard something you cannot place? Bird Hear identifies UK birds from a 10 second recording, free in your browser.

Confusion species

• Kestrel: Kestrel also hovers but is brown or rufous above with a long tail and no black shoulder patch.
• Hen Harrier: A male Hen Harrier is grey and white too but is much larger, with long wings, a long tail, a white rump and no hovering habit.
• Barn Owl: A Barn Owl at dusk is similarly pale and big-headed but is buff above with broad rounded wings and no black in the plumage.

Related guide Rare birds in the UK.

Conservation status and Birdedex points

In the Birdedex the Black-winged Kite is a Legendary tier bird, worth +50 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

• Lanner FalconLegendary · Open country (very rare)
• Little BustardLegendary · Open country (very rare vagrant)
• Long-legged BuzzardLegendary · Open country (very rare)
• Trumpeter FinchLegendary · Open country (very rare)
• Lesser Grey ShrikeEpic · Open country (very rare)
• Steppe BuzzardEpic · Open country (very rare race)

Black-winged Kite: quick answers

Has a Black-winged Kite ever been seen in the UK?

Yes. The first was in 2023, seen in Powys in April and then in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex in July. Further birds were reported in Gloucestershire and Norfolk from 2025, though at the time of writing those were still awaiting formal acceptance.

Where can I see a Black-winged Kite in the UK?

Only where one is currently being reported, so check the news first. East Norfolk has been the most consistent area, with birds watched from public paths and reserve viewpoints around the Broads. Abroad, it is now a common roadside bird in much of Spain, Portugal and south-west France.

What does a Black-winged Kite eat?

Mostly voles and mice, with some lizards, large insects and small birds. It hunts by hovering or by watching from a post or bush top, then drops feet first into the grass. Vole numbers decide where birds settle and how long they stay.

Kit that helps

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