The Black-shouldered Kite, Part I - Quest for subsistence

Fred · 17-03-2005, 12:33 AM

The Black-shouldered Kite, Part I - Quest for subsistence

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The Research
Coined the Black-shouldered Kite project, this multi-part series is a combined effort of two nature photographers, Chua (Avatar) and Frederick (Fred) along with our fellow researcher Michelle (s_wrx). Since mid-2003, the initiation date of this project, the team had covered our study and research across the island state on over a dozen nests, and like-numbered pairs of kites. This brought us closer to this graceful resident of the sky, allowing us to catch a glimpse into the private life of this elusive raptor.

The project faces the grim prospect of grinding to a standstill in 2004 when several nesting sites were systematically destroyed in the name of human progress. Discouraged and pained by the loss of so many habitats, the team were forced to reevaluate on this crude reality. We decided to press on, doubling our effort to complete our study on the few remaining sites for we fell that this study is not just for the entirety of the project but for the our very intent to better the protection of nature through educating the masses of her plight.

I am pleased to present thee, the first part of our Black-shouldered Kite study series, Quest for subsistence …

Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.
A silent flyer. The Black-shouldered Kite is also a swift and silent predator.

Introduction
The Black-shouldered Kite or Elanus caeruleus is a small and unmistakable raptor with its diagnostic plumage, flight silhouette and active flight. There are four subspecies of Black-shouldered Kites and can be found all over the world, from Australia, Arabia and the Middle East. Three of these subspecies can be found in South East Asia.

Often seen perching on dead tree tops and even lamp posts along the road, the Black-shouldered Kite prefers open habitats with scattered trees and hunts over open areas. Nearby trees serve as important vantage posts and nest-sites.

The Black-shouldered Kite is purely a non-forest bird and a common resident in Singapore, that can be found nesting in the precious, undisturbed open country we have here.

Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.
An unmistakable stare from its red eye, the graceful Black-shouldered Kite.

They are opportunists and are known to have multiple broods when prey is abundant and/or when the weather is optimal. In Singapore, it has been observed that they have about 2 broods annually. Each brood may have about 2 to 5 chicks. Juveniles stay near the breeding range after fledging, while the parents may begin another brood nearby.

The Black-Shouldered Kite is the only diurnal raptor in the Peninsula shown to be multi-brooded.

Identification
With its distinctive flying style and behavior, the Black-shouldered Kite is not a difficult subject to identify in the wilds.

Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.
An adult Black-shouldered Kite soaring in to land.

Adult kites have pale grey upperparts with a whitish head and black forearm with white underparts and grey wing-tips. When in flight, it shows a pair of fairly broad and pointed wings with an extremely short tail and big head. Its active flight can be observed with soft rolling wing-beats; gliding and soaring on V-held wings.

It soars rather fast, and has a habit of sailing along with wings held at a large dihedral angle (an obvious V) then flap-flying on flexed wings, with deep elastic strokes that bounce the body. This action is distinctive even when viewed from far.

The Black-shouldered Kites also hovers when hunting, with its tail facing down and with sweep of the wings nearer horizontal. This will be elaborated in details in latter part of this article.

Immature kites are separable in the field by their eye-colour and plumage. Adults’ iris are deep red, whilst juveniles’ iris are pale brown or orange. Their plumage is mottled light brown from the hind-crown to the mantle. They have white-fringed wing-coverts. Adults have a whiter tail with no subterminal band, the lesser primary coverts are black and the greater coverts lack pale tips.

Both juveniles and adults have a black bill with a pale yellow cere. Both feet are peach yellow.

Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.
A young Kite, one that is growing into adulthood. Notice the slightly orange tint in the eyes.

Distribution
As non-forest birds, the Black-shouldered Kites can be found soaring and hovering over open country and grasslands. In the last 40 years, small numbers have settled in Singapore. They can be seen in all kinds of open habitats, including the degraded landward edge of mangroves, dune scrub and agriculture. Places like Changi, Punggol and Neo Tiew have proven to be very popular with breeding pairs.

A drop in populations in areas such as Marina South and Pulau Tekong is assumed to be due to the removal of shrubs and bush cover to make way for land development. This course of action affects the kite’s hunting action and abundance of its prey and eventually its breeding range.

Fred · 17-03-2005, 12:33 AM

Hunting
The Kites are diurnal. This means that they are mainly active during the day. These raptors are mostly hunting during the early morning or late afternoon. Up to a third of the day is spent hunting, from a perch (also known as still or perch hunting) or by aerial-quartering (generally known collectively as hunting flight). A good fraction of the kills are observed to have happened before sunrise and with the last kills at dusk, when the kites are non-breeding. Breeding pairs hunt as many as 4 to 5 times during the day to feed their hatched young. At Punggol, we observed a Black-Shouldered Kite (presumably male, as the female was incubating in the nest) bringing back a dead rodent at about 6.15am, only to swallow it whole after some attempts at removing its fur and feeding on its entrails.

Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.
A hovering kite with its talons ready to strike.

These birds aerial-quarter about 15 – 20 m above the ground, then hovers to locate prey. It usually punctuates the descent with one or more stops (also termed as, interhovers) to carry out checks before a final strike with wings stretched vertically over the back and its talons extended.
Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.
The aerial-quartering technique is used extensively by the Black-shouldered Kite during hunts.

Still-hunters can strike their prey up to 140 m out from a perch. After a moment of head-bobbing and intent peering, the kite lifts itself off the perch and with a few quick wing-beats, plunges into the grass and strikes the prey with its sharp talons.

Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only. Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.
Left: Going in! This Black-shouldered Kite is wasting no time in its hunt
Right: The final plunge. While success is not always guaranteed, the aerial-quartering technique is a more effective technique.

Studies have shown that aerial-quartering uses more energy but provides more chances and successes per unit time than perch hunting, which implies that these raptors optimize their hunting behavior. It is also observed that perch hunting dominates through the day as compared to quartering in the evening.

Hunting behaviors are also affected by weather and the life cycle of the birds. More perch hunting is carried out during a rainy weather and male kites quarter more during the feeding of young nestlings.

Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.
Indigestible food become oral pellets that are eventually ejected from the body.
Beneath its claws, the lower torso of what used to be a water-hen.

Of the kills observed, the Black-shouldered Kites seem to favor rodents, water birds, lizards and even amphibians. Oral pellets examined of other kites seem to include insects in their diet, but no insects were observed in the diet of this particular pair of kites. It was even reported that the remains of a White-vented Myna was found in a particular pellet!

Part Two
We hope you like the first installment of our study.

In Part II, the team will bring you into the world of Black-shouldered Kite families, its social circle, behavior and a peek into some intimate moments with a touch of what can be heard.

Thank you for reading.

Photos: Frederick, Chua
Literature: Michelle, Chua

Avatar · 17-03-2005, 12:37 AM

*** Reserved ***

joeyao · 17-03-2005, 05:59 AM

An excellent write up on my favorite kite

and these pics ... WOW

Fred, are your share of the pics taken with your 300mm f/2.8 or have you upgraded to the 500mm f/4?

MountainMan · 17-03-2005, 06:45 AM

Wow... can't wait for part 2.

Within a couple of years, I think you guys should come up with a book entitled "Raptors of Singapore"

skfoo · 17-03-2005, 07:31 AM

Well done my friends! Give us more!

Garion · 17-03-2005, 08:57 AM

Wow.

Excellent stuff. Superb captures there. And great write-up as well.

Salute to the three of you for your dedication and passion in this project, the results are certainly worth the efforts. Well done!!!

harlequin2902 · 17-03-2005, 09:57 AM

Very informative with stunning pictures

A masterpiece !

Eagerly waiting for Part II.

guys.

Arthur · 17-03-2005, 03:43 PM

Wow...beautiful!!!

Thanks for sharing these wonderful pics and the informative write-up about the BSK. Well done guys

Cheers

wheels · 17-03-2005, 09:26 PM

Beautiful and educational. Well done! Lots of hard work there not forgetting dedicating the time to do this.

Very solid.

Fred · 17-03-2005, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyao

Fred, are your share of the pics taken with your 300mm f/2.8 or have you upgraded to the 500mm f/4?

Joe, my pix were shot with 300mm.

joeyao · 17-03-2005, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred

Joe, my pix were shot with 300mm.

Thats it! The 300mm f/2.8 will be my dream lens

Garion · 18-03-2005, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyao

Thats it! The 300mm f/2.8 will be my dream lens

Maybe by the end of the year, your dream might come true?

joeyao · 18-03-2005, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garion

Maybe by the end of the year, your dream might come true?

Yeah! I hope your dream of the 500mm f/4 come true first, then I can buy your 300mm f/2.8

Fred, my apologies for going OT.

Fred · 26-03-2005, 10:02 AM

Dear All,

A BIG THANKS for viewing this thread and the encouragement you've given, really appreciate it!

The Team - Michelle, Chua and Fred

OwenC · 30-06-2005, 11:34 AM

a bit late but still want to say : WONDERFUL series. love it~!

MountainMan · 30-06-2005, 02:44 PM

wait till you read part 2.... with lust and sex to make it a sure bestseller

OwenC · 30-06-2005, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainMan

wait till you read part 2.... with lust and sex to make it a sure bestseller

stupid me can't find it could u pls show me the link...????

ccplim · 30-06-2005, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OwenC

stupid me can't find it could u pls show me the link...????

Part 2 is still in the oven

MountainMan · 30-06-2005, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccplim

Part 2 is still in the oven

Yo Avatar/Fred.... why are we waiting? why are we waiting? kar chue kin tampoh hor

17-03-2005, 12:33 AM	#1
Fred Falcon Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 286	The Black-shouldered Kite, Part I - Quest for subsistence The Black-shouldered Kite, Part I - Quest for subsistence *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* The Research Coined the Black-shouldered Kite project, this multi-part series is a combined effort of two nature photographers, Chua (Avatar) and Frederick (Fred) along with our fellow researcher Michelle (s_wrx). Since mid-2003, the initiation date of this project, the team had covered our study and research across the island state on over a dozen nests, and like-numbered pairs of kites. This brought us closer to this graceful resident of the sky, allowing us to catch a glimpse into the private life of this elusive raptor. The project faces the grim prospect of grinding to a standstill in 2004 when several nesting sites were systematically destroyed in the name of human progress. Discouraged and pained by the loss of so many habitats, the team were forced to reevaluate on this crude reality. We decided to press on, doubling our effort to complete our study on the few remaining sites for we fell that this study is not just for the entirety of the project but for the our very intent to better the protection of nature through educating the masses of her plight. I am pleased to present thee, the first part of our Black-shouldered Kite study series, Quest for subsistence … *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* A silent flyer. The Black-shouldered Kite is also a swift and silent predator. Introduction The Black-shouldered Kite or Elanus caeruleus is a small and unmistakable raptor with its diagnostic plumage, flight silhouette and active flight. There are four subspecies of Black-shouldered Kites and can be found all over the world, from Australia, Arabia and the Middle East. Three of these subspecies can be found in South East Asia. Often seen perching on dead tree tops and even lamp posts along the road, the Black-shouldered Kite prefers open habitats with scattered trees and hunts over open areas. Nearby trees serve as important vantage posts and nest-sites. The Black-shouldered Kite is purely a non-forest bird and a common resident in Singapore, that can be found nesting in the precious, undisturbed open country we have here. *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* An unmistakable stare from its red eye, the graceful Black-shouldered Kite. They are opportunists and are known to have multiple broods when prey is abundant and/or when the weather is optimal. In Singapore, it has been observed that they have about 2 broods annually. Each brood may have about 2 to 5 chicks. Juveniles stay near the breeding range after fledging, while the parents may begin another brood nearby. The Black-Shouldered Kite is the only diurnal raptor in the Peninsula shown to be multi-brooded. Identification With its distinctive flying style and behavior, the Black-shouldered Kite is not a difficult subject to identify in the wilds. *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* An adult Black-shouldered Kite soaring in to land. Adult kites have pale grey upperparts with a whitish head and black forearm with white underparts and grey wing-tips. When in flight, it shows a pair of fairly broad and pointed wings with an extremely short tail and big head. Its active flight can be observed with soft rolling wing-beats; gliding and soaring on V-held wings. It soars rather fast, and has a habit of sailing along with wings held at a large dihedral angle (an obvious V) then flap-flying on flexed wings, with deep elastic strokes that bounce the body. This action is distinctive even when viewed from far. The Black-shouldered Kites also hovers when hunting, with its tail facing down and with sweep of the wings nearer horizontal. This will be elaborated in details in latter part of this article. Immature kites are separable in the field by their eye-colour and plumage. Adults’ iris are deep red, whilst juveniles’ iris are pale brown or orange. Their plumage is mottled light brown from the hind-crown to the mantle. They have white-fringed wing-coverts. Adults have a whiter tail with no subterminal band, the lesser primary coverts are black and the greater coverts lack pale tips. Both juveniles and adults have a black bill with a pale yellow cere. Both feet are peach yellow. *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* A young Kite, one that is growing into adulthood. Notice the slightly orange tint in the eyes. Distribution As non-forest birds, the Black-shouldered Kites can be found soaring and hovering over open country and grasslands. In the last 40 years, small numbers have settled in Singapore. They can be seen in all kinds of open habitats, including the degraded landward edge of mangroves, dune scrub and agriculture. Places like Changi, Punggol and Neo Tiew have proven to be very popular with breeding pairs. A drop in populations in areas such as Marina South and Pulau Tekong is assumed to be due to the removal of shrubs and bush cover to make way for land development. This course of action affects the kite’s hunting action and abundance of its prey and eventually its breeding range. Last edited by ccplim; 25-08-2005 at 09:29 PM.

17-03-2005, 12:33 AM	#2
Fred Falcon Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 286	Hunting The Kites are diurnal. This means that they are mainly active during the day. These raptors are mostly hunting during the early morning or late afternoon. Up to a third of the day is spent hunting, from a perch (also known as still or perch hunting) or by aerial-quartering (generally known collectively as hunting flight). A good fraction of the kills are observed to have happened before sunrise and with the last kills at dusk, when the kites are non-breeding. Breeding pairs hunt as many as 4 to 5 times during the day to feed their hatched young. At Punggol, we observed a Black-Shouldered Kite (presumably male, as the female was incubating in the nest) bringing back a dead rodent at about 6.15am, only to swallow it whole after some attempts at removing its fur and feeding on its entrails. *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* A hovering kite with its talons ready to strike. These birds aerial-quarter about 15 – 20 m above the ground, then hovers to locate prey. It usually punctuates the descent with one or more stops (also termed as, interhovers) to carry out checks before a final strike with wings stretched vertically over the back and its talons extended. *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* The aerial-quartering technique is used extensively by the Black-shouldered Kite during hunts. Still-hunters can strike their prey up to 140 m out from a perch. After a moment of head-bobbing and intent peering, the kite lifts itself off the perch and with a few quick wing-beats, plunges into the grass and strikes the prey with its sharp talons. *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* Left: Going in! This Black-shouldered Kite is wasting no time in its hunt Right: The final plunge. While success is not always guaranteed, the aerial-quartering technique is a more effective technique. Studies have shown that aerial-quartering uses more energy but provides more chances and successes per unit time than perch hunting, which implies that these raptors optimize their hunting behavior. It is also observed that perch hunting dominates through the day as compared to quartering in the evening. Hunting behaviors are also affected by weather and the life cycle of the birds. More perch hunting is carried out during a rainy weather and male kites quarter more during the feeding of young nestlings. *Sorry, this content is visible to registered members only.* Indigestible food become oral pellets that are eventually ejected from the body. Beneath its claws, the lower torso of what used to be a water-hen. Of the kills observed, the Black-shouldered Kites seem to favor rodents, water birds, lizards and even amphibians. Oral pellets examined of other kites seem to include insects in their diet, but no insects were observed in the diet of this particular pair of kites. It was even reported that the remains of a White-vented Myna was found in a particular pellet! Part Two We hope you like the first installment of our study. In Part II, the team will bring you into the world of Black-shouldered Kite families, its social circle, behavior and a peek into some intimate moments with a touch of what can be heard. Thank you for reading. Photos: Frederick, Chua Literature: Michelle, Chua Last edited by Avatar; 17-03-2005 at 12:36 AM.

17-03-2005, 05:59 AM	#4
joeyao Eagle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Upper Paya Lebar, Singapore Posts: 3,719	An excellent write up on my favorite kite and these pics ... WOW Fred, are your share of the pics taken with your 300mm f/2.8 or have you upgraded to the 500mm f/4? __________________ *Birds of Singapore* *Birds in Action* Last edited by joeyao; 17-03-2005 at 08:54 AM.

17-03-2005, 08:57 AM	#7
Garion Board Founder Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Stuck in office with sun shining & birds chirping outside Posts: 3,111	Wow. Excellent stuff. Superb captures there. And great write-up as well. Salute to the three of you for your dedication and passion in this project, the results are certainly worth the efforts. Well done!!! __________________ :: FAQ :: Quick Guide to posting images :: Starting Bird Photography :: Bird Guides :: PM me ::

17-03-2005, 03:43 PM	#9
Arthur Eagle Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Where the birdies are Posts: 2,607	Wow...beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing these wonderful pics and the informative write-up about the BSK. Well done guys Cheers __________________ 我是阿德: 太阳, 沙滩, 美女和葡萄酒是我向往的生活方式!

17-03-2005, 12:37 AM	#3
Avatar Keeper of the Watch Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Singapore (East) / Taiwan Posts: 41	* Reserved *

17-03-2005, 06:45 AM	#5
MountainMan Osprey Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gone Troppo Posts: 5,167	Wow... can't wait for part 2. Within a couple of years, I think you guys should come up with a book entitled "Raptors of Singapore"

17-03-2005, 07:31 AM	#6
skfoo Eagle Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,081	Well done my friends! Give us more!

17-03-2005, 09:57 AM	#8
harlequin2902 Falcon Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Toa Payoh Central , Singapore Posts: 348	Very informative with stunning pictures A masterpiece ! Eagerly waiting for Part II. guys.

17-03-2005, 09:26 PM	#10
wheels Hawk Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Retired from birding Posts: 1,341	Beautiful and educational. Well done! Lots of hard work there not forgetting dedicating the time to do this. Very solid.

26-03-2005, 10:02 AM	#15
Fred Falcon Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 286	Dear All, A BIG THANKS for viewing this thread and the encouragement you've given, really appreciate it! The Team - Michelle, Chua and Fred

30-06-2005, 11:34 AM	#16
OwenC Falcon Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 109	a bit late but still want to say : WONDERFUL series. love it~! __________________ http://www.i-owen.com http://www.HKWildlife.net http://www.pbase.com/bluetitan

30-06-2005, 02:44 PM	#17
MountainMan Osprey Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Gone Troppo Posts: 5,167	wait till you read part 2.... with lust and sex to make it a sure bestseller __________________ In Memory of a very dear friend...

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