Black Kite

Medium-sized, rather nondescript raptor with overall dark plumage. Varies considerably across range, but always note tail fork (can disappear when tail is fully open), and short head and neck. Juvenile averages paler and more contrastingly-marked. Flight style buoyant, gliding and changing direction with ease. Frequently forages in urban areas, rubbish dumps, aquatic habitats, and grassland, but usually avoids heavily forested areas. Sometimes solitary, but also gathers in large flocks on migration and at good feeding areas.

Black kites (Milvus migrans) in Sri Lanka are found in the northern and northwestern parts of the country. They are also found in India and further east.

Black kites in Sri Lanka eat a wide variety of food, including rodents, birds, fish, insects, and carrion. They are opportunistic hunters and scavengers.