The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which occurs widely across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, inhabiting both temperate and tropical regions. It is an opportunistic feeder, hunting small animals but also scavenging on carrion, household refuse and fish. Black kites are highly adaptable and often thrive in urban environments, especially in South Asia, where they frequently live close to humans. The bird has an average weight of 735 grams (26 oz) and features a forked tail and a distinctive shrill whistle followed by a rapid whinnying call. It is a skilled soarer, commonly using thermal currents to search for food and migrate. Several subspecies are recognised, including the Indian govinda and the Australian affinis. This black kite of the subspecies M. m. affinis was photographed in flight by the Adelaide River, east of Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia.

Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp