Milvus migrans lineatus

(Gray, 1831)

Vernacular names
English : Black-eared kite, Black kite
French : Milan brun, Milan noir d’Asie

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : 6 other subspecies known. Sometimes treated as a separate species.

Identification
Adults can grow to 66 cm in length for a weight of 1 kg. Slightly forked black tail. Coloration mostly dark brown, mottled on wings. Breast more chestnut brown with conspicuous clear-edged vertical lines. Black bill with yellow cere.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from the Ural Mts and Pakistan to eastern China, species also found in Taiwan and in most of Eurasia and Africa. Occurs in grasslands, savannas, gardens, cities, woodlands, to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is one of the world’s commonest diurnal raptors. Locally it has declined because of persecution and collision with power lines.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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