The kite is a medium-sized bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. Some key facts about the kite family:
Quick Answer
Kites belong to the family Accipitridae.
Overview of the Kite Family Accipitridae
The Accipitridae family of birds consists of many genera containing over 250 species of hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. They are characterized by their hooked beaks, powerful talons, and excellent eyesight that make them effective hunters.
Some key features of the Accipitridae family:
- Medium to large-sized raptors with long, broad wings and short, rounded tails
- Sharp, curved beaks adapted for tearing flesh
- Strong feet with large talons used for catching and killing prey
- Excellent binocular vision enabling keen eyesight
- Sexual dimorphism – females are often larger than males
- Build nests high up in trees, on cliffs or other elevated structures
- Feed primarily on small mammals, birds, reptiles and carrion
The Accipitridae are found worldwide, though they are most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions. They occupy a range of habitats from dense forests to open country.
Kites of the Accipitridae Family
Kites are medium-sized raptors characterized by long, pointed wings and deeply forked tails. There are around 15 species of kites which are placed in several different genera within the Accipitridae family.
Some examples of kite species and their key features:
- Black Kite – Widespread in Asia, Australia and Africa. Scavengers that frequent human habitation.
- Red Kite – Found across Europe and Asia. Distinctive reddish-brown plumage.
- White-tailed Kite – Native to North and South America. Grey plumage and white tail.
- Swallow-tailed Kite – Elegant black and white plumage. Found in South America and southern North America.
- Whistling Kite – Resident in Australia. Makes a loud whistling call in flight.
In addition to their distinctive shape, kites are known for their aerial agility and skill in using air currents to soar and glide while hunting.
Comparison to Other Accipitridae
Kites can be distinguished from other Accipitridae like eagles, hawks and harriers in a few key ways:
Feature | Kites | Eagles/Hawks | Harriers |
---|---|---|---|
Size | Medium | Medium to large | Medium |
Wings | Long and pointed | Broad and rounded | Long and broad |
Tail | Deeply forked | Rounded or fanned | Rounded |
Flight style | More aerial, soaring | Flapping with bursts of speed | Low gliding close to ground |
Diet | More scavenging | Active hunting | Small mammals and birds |
However, there is overlap between these groups and they share common traits like hooked beaks, strong feet and excellent vision.
Kite Behavior and Ecology
Kites exhibit a range of hunting techniques and adaptability that allows them to thrive in diverse environments:
- Soaring on thermals and making aerial maneuvers to spot and catch prey
- Scavenging by watching other predators and descending on leftovers and carrion
- Versatile diet from small mammals to insects, reptiles, amphibians and other birds
- Opportunistic hunting near wetlands, grasslands, woodlands and human settlements
- Build stick nests high up on trees or cliffs; some species nest communally
Kites play an important ecological role as mesopredators that help regulate populations of small animals like rodents and birds. Their scavenging helps remove dead animal matter from the environment.
Threats and Conservation
Many kite species have suffered declines due to:
- Habitat degradation – loss of wetlands and forests
- Prey depletion
- Disturbance of nesting sites
- Pesticide poisoning
However, some species have adapted well to human activity and are Least Concern. Targeted conservation efforts for threatened species like the Snail Kite involve protecting wetland ecosystems.
Conclusion
Kites are elegant, medium-sized raptors in the taxonomic family Accipitridae. There are around 15 species identified by their long, forked tails, pointed wings and aerial agility. As opportunistic hunters and scavengers, kites occupy diverse habitats worldwide though many are in decline due to habitat loss. Their ability to utilize air currents enables them to thrive in areas lacking dense vegetation. Kites play an important ecological role especially as scavengers. Conservation efforts for threatened species focus on preserving wetland ecosystems.