Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura
What do they look like ? Large , brown kite similar in size and appearance to a Black or Whistling Kite . Square-tailed Kites usually have a pale head and ‘ scruffy ’ appearance and you may notice more reddish feathers than the other two species . Square-tailed Kites have a dark band along the end of the tail . They fly with wings slightly upswept , which is also different to Black and Whistling Kites . The tail is usually fanned while in flight , similar to a Black Kite ’ s .
Where do they live ? Square-tailed Kites are uncommon across the region . They are listed as rare in Queensland legislation . They prefer forest and woodland habitats , often near water . They sometimes hunt over cleared or very open habitats , but are unlikely to live there permanently .
What do they need to live , eat and breed ? Square-tailed Kites mostly hunt small birds in the tree canopy . They are adept at raiding nests for small birds . They also frequently eat insects , reptiles and occasionally small mammals . Square-tailed Kites may become nomadic if conditions are unfavourable , but once a pair nests they usually breed there over many years .
When might I see ( or hear ) them ? Any time of day , usually circling casually over woodlands .
What management actions affect this species ? Maintaining moderate to large areas of intact woodland benefits Square-tailed Kites . Suitable nesting trees are particularly important for this species . If you are lucky enough to find a nest , avoid disturbing it . Historically , shooting and egg collecting have been significant problems for Square-tailed Kites . Broad scale clearing reduces food opportunities for this bird predator .
How do they benefit the land I manage ? Square-tailed Kites are important predators . By preying upon smaller birds , they help regulate numbers of those species . Where unwanted large flocks of birds such as miners or Galahs occur , they hunt and keep numbers of these species in check . Their presence may help disperse flocks as well .
Similar species : Whistling Kite ( Milvus sphenurus ), Black Kite ( M . migrans ), Spotted Harrier ( Circus assimilis ), Swamp Harrier ( C . approximans ).
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