The yellow-billed kite is the Afrotropic counterpart of the black kite, of which it is most often considered a subspecies. However, DNA studies suggest that the yellow-billed kite differs significantly from black kites in the Eurasian clade, and should be considered as a separate, allopatric species.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and Nile Valley, extending to Madagascar and southwestern Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Yellow-billed kites occupy a wide range of open and semi-open habitats including savannas, open woodland, river corridors, wetlands, coastal lagoons, and urban areas. They commonly patrol over water and along roads, and gather at abattoirs, fishing harbors, and rubbish dumps. They avoid dense interior rainforest and the most arid deserts but occur along edges and oases. On Madagascar and many offshore islands they are widespread near settlements. Seasonal movements occur in parts of the range following rainfall, prey eruptions, and water levels.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The yellow-billed kite is the Afrotropical counterpart of the black kite and is often treated as a distinct species based on genetic and vocal differences. It thrives around people, frequently scavenging at markets, fishing ports, and rubbish dumps. Its shallowly forked tail and buoyant, tilting flight make it a familiar sight over savannas and rivers. Adults show a bright yellow bill, while juveniles have darker bills that yellow with age.
Temperament
social and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Often seen in loose flocks, especially where food is abundant, and forms communal roosts. Pairs are monogamous and build stick nests high in trees, frequently near water or in suburban areas. Breeding season varies with region and rainfall, with some pairs reusing nests across years.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives a clear, descending whistled call, often rendered as a mellow, drawn-out pee-wee-wee. Calls are most frequent during display flights and at roost sites, with harsher chatter during feeding disputes.
Plumage
Uniformly dark brown to rufous-brown with slightly paler head and underparts, and pale 'windows' in the primaries visible in flight. Tail is shallowly forked and often twisted in flight. Feathers are plain rather than strongly streaked, with darker flight feathers and tips.
Diet
An opportunistic carnivore that takes insects (especially emergent termites and locusts), small fish, amphibians, small mammals, and birds. It readily scavenges carrion and offal and pirates food from other birds. Around people it exploits fish scraps and refuse and will snatch food on the wing.
Preferred Environment
Feeds over water, floodplains, and savannas, often quartering low or circling high to scan for opportunities. It congregates at grass fires to take fleeing insects and small vertebrates and at markets, harbors, and dumps for scraps.
