Warmer days bring the yellow-billed kites to play
It is a medium sized bird with a wingspan between 160-180 cm, all brown in colour, often with a forked tail and as the name suggests, an all yellow bill.
THEY are back. The promise of warmer days coming soon, is always heralded by the return of the yellow-billed kites.
They are one of the most commonly seen birds of prey on the African continent.
It is a medium sized bird with a wingspan between 160-180 cm, all brown in colour, often with a forked tail and as the name suggests, an all yellow bill. The shape of their tail makes them quick and easy to identify.
These kites are opportunistic hunters, feeding on almost anything small enough to easily subdue, from insects such as flying ants to small birds and mammals such as rats and mice.
They also do not hesitate to pick up carrion, often patrolling busy roads looking for roadkill. They will accept human foods, even at times swooping down to steal something off an unguarded plate or the braai.
They are migratory birds through-out South Africa, only residing permanently in countries close to the equator. In South Africa, they are commonly seen from August, through to the beginning of April.
During the winter months they spend their time in north Africa.
The individuals that arrive first in South Africa are the breeding pairs, they make a nest and raise their young. The nestlings have to be fully fledged by the end of summer, so that they can make the journey to Northern Africa with their parents.
The yellow-billed kites that breed usually have much brighter yellow beaks than the non-breeding individuals.
Contact Warren Dick on 072 211 0353 to have your insects, snakes or spiders identified. Follow the conversation on Facebook, Warren’s Small World.
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