The whistling kite is a medium-sized diurnal raptor found throughout Australia, New Caledonia and much of New Guinea. Also called the whistling eagle or whistling hawk, it is named for its loud whistling call, which it often gives in flight. Some authorities put this species in the genus Milvus, despite marked differences in behaviour, voice and plumage between this species and other members of that genus.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs across most of Australia, much of New Guinea, and parts of New Caledonia. It favors open country with nearby water, including wetlands, river corridors, estuaries, mangroves, and coastal plains. Also common over farmland, towns, and rubbish tips, but scarce in dense rainforest and the most treeless deserts. The species is adaptable and often expands locally following flooding that boosts food supply.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A medium-sized kite of Australasia, it’s named for its clear, piping whistle often given while soaring. Highly opportunistic, it scavenges extensively and will hunt fish, insects, and small vertebrates, frequently patrolling wetlands and shorelines. It readily attends grass fires and human activity to seize flushed or dead prey, and often reuses large stick nests near water.
Flying in Victoria, Australia
A whistling kite feeding on a dead bird on the Serpentine River, Western Australia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may gather at rich food sources such as carcasses or fish die-offs. Builds a large stick nest high in a tree, often near water, and may reuse and add to the nest over successive seasons. Pairs are strongly territorial around nesting sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A clear, whistled, descending call often given while circling high, sometimes extended into a ringing series. Near nests, pairs exchange fluty whistles and softer piping notes.
Plumage
Overall pale to mid-brown with fine streaking, a paler buff head and nape, and contrasting pale underwing panels with darker outer primaries. The tail is long and slightly rounded, with subtle banding. Juveniles are generally paler and more streaked below.
Diet
Feeds on fish, carrion, waterbirds’ eggs and chicks, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, large insects, and crustaceans. Frequently scavenges roadkill and offal and may pirate food from other birds. Will forage along shorelines and floodwaters, taking stranded or weakened prey.
Preferred Environment
Hunts over wetlands, river edges, estuaries, and coastal flats, as well as open farmland and urban margins. Often patrols shorelines and follows disturbances such as fires or mowing to catch flushed prey.
