Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Scientific name definitions

Brahminy Kite, which is most closely related to Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) of Australia and New Guinea, is widely distributed across southern Asia and southeastern Asia, from India, east to China, and south through Indonesia, reaching northern and eastern Australia. They are a highly distinctive species, with pale whitish head and chest, and bright rufous back, wings, belly, and tail. There is some geographic variation across its range, mostly in the amount of streaking on the head and breast, and the color of the bill. They occupy a wide range of habitats, often near water, including rivers, lakes, estuaries, forests, farmlands, and urban areas. Birds feed on a wide variety of prey items, including small mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates, as well as carrion. They face no immediate conservation concerns, and in some places may even benefit from human activity.