Un ave rapaz que pertenece a la gama media en tamaño y se puede ver en Australia, Nueva Caledonia y Nueva Guinea.

¿Cuál es la apariencia de una cometa silbadora? El milano silbador es un ave rapaz de tamaño mediano que tiene un aspecto distintivo. Sus partes superiores y la cabeza tienen un color beige pálido, mientras que las alas son de color marrón oscuro con plumas de vuelo negras. Cuando está en vuelo, la característica forma de ‘M’ debajo de sus alas se vuelve visible. Las partes inferiores son un poco más claras que las superiores, y la apariencia general del ave a menudo se describe como “peluda”. Tiene un cuerpo y una cabeza esbeltos, con alas largas y una cola redondeada. Las patas son cortas y de color hueso, con pies sin plumas. Los ojos son negros y el pico grisáceo, corto, afilado y curvo.

Females are larger than males, with up to 21% more size and 42% heavier weight. Both sexes have the same plumage. Juvenile and immature Whistling Kites are darker with heavy streaks below. Additionally, southern birds tend to be larger than those from the tropics.

Have you ever seen a Whistling Kite perched in a tree and wondered how big it is? Well, these majestic birds usually measure between 51 and 59cm in length and have a wingspan ranging from 120 to 146cm. As for their weight, it can vary greatly from 380 to 1050g, with males typically weighing between 600 and 750g and females weighing between 750 and 1000g. But what sets the Whistling Kite apart from other birds is its unique call. It produces a descending whistling sound followed by a series of higher-pitched notes, which is why it’s called the Whistling Kite.

Flying Whistling Kite

Do you know the scientific name of the Whistling Kite bird? The bird’s full scientific name is Haliastur sphenurus. The generic name, Haliastur, originates from the Greek word “hali,” which means “sea,” and the Latin word “astur,” which means “hawk.” The specific name, sphenurus, comes from the Greek word “sphēn,” meaning “wedge,” and “-ouros,” meaning “tail.” This name describes one of the unique features of the Whistling Kite bird. Interestingly, the scientific name translates to “Wedge-tailed Sea Hawk,” although this species is rarely spotted near the coast.

The Whistling Kite birds are usually not hostile towards other birds, except when protecting their nests and offspring from predators. These birds are primarily solitary or are seen in pairs, but sometimes they can be found in larger groups at roost sites or food sources during migration. Like all birds, disturbing these birds can make them aggressive.

Have you ever wondered how fast Whistling Kites can fly? Well, these birds are known to be speedy creatures, capable of reaching impressive speeds of up to 118 mph (190 kph). When it comes to their lifespan, the average age of a Whistling Kite is around 8 years. However, one record-breaking bird lived for an incredible 20 years! Despite concerns about their population, Whistling Kites are currently listed as Least Concern for their conservation status. While they can be found throughout Australia, they are more commonly found in the north. Unfortunately, the southern population has experienced a slight decline due to reduced wetlands and a shortage of food sources.

Do you know what the Whistling Kite feeds on? These magnificent birds have a diverse palate and enjoy eating carrion, small mammals (especially rabbits), other birds, fish, insects, amphibians, and reptiles. They usually hunt for their prey on the ground or from the surface of the water, although it’s not uncommon to see them flying overhead capturing insects. Interestingly, they often patrol roads looking for dead animals to devour. In Australia, they primarily feed on live prey, but during winter, they consume carrion. However, in New Guinea, they are opportunistic scavengers and will eat anything they can find. Additionally, Whistling Kites are notorious for stealing food from herons, ibises, and other raptors. They even have a cunning trick of forcing large waterbirds to regurgitate their recent catches so that they can steal the food for themselves.

Is it true that Whistling Kites mate for a lifetime?
Whistling Kites are known to be monogamous birds and generally stay together with their mate for one breeding season. However, some pairs may stick together for their entire lifetime.

Where can Whistling Kites typically be found nesting?
Both male and female Whistling Kites work together to build their nest. They often construct it high up in tall trees, fashioning a platform out of sticks and lining it with green leaves. Eucalyptus trees are a preferred choice for nesting, and they may even build near other raptors. These nests may be reused by the same pair to rear multiple chicks. The chicks are born covered in cream or buff down feathers and spend around 44-54 days in the nest before venturing out into the world. After fledging, they stick around with their parents for six to eight weeks.

¿Alguna vez te has preguntado sobre los hábitos de anidación de la cometa silbadora? Bueno, estas aves suelen poner de una a tres nidadas de dos huevos cada una. Ambos padres se turnan para incubar los huevos durante alrededor de 35 a 38 días, aunque la hembra tiende a hacer la mayor parte del trabajo. La temporada de reproducción varía según la ubicación, pero generalmente tiene lugar durante la estación seca. En Australia, esto significa entre julio y diciembre, mientras que en los trópicos ocurre entre otoño y primavera. A pesar de la larga temporada de reproducción, solo hay una tasa de éxito del 60% para la eclosión. Entonces, ¿cómo son estos huevos? Son de color blanco azulado con algunas manchas de color marrón rojizo y pueden variar en tamaño de 46 a 63 mm x 34 a 45 mm. Curiosamente, los huevos en el este de Australia tienden a ser más grandes que los del oeste.

¿Alguna vez te has preguntado cómo suena una cometa silbadora? Estas aves son bastante parlanchinas y se pueden escuchar gritando mientras están posadas, en vuelo o incluso en sus nidos. Su distintivo silbido es de donde obtienen su nombre, y es un sonido descendente “seeeo”. Cuando se encuentran en enfrentamientos agresivos con otras aves, producen un trino. En cuanto a su hábitat, las cometas silbadoras se pueden encontrar en bosques abiertos y áreas rurales cerca del agua, que van desde el nivel del mar hasta una elevación de 1400 m. Aunque son menos comunes en las granjas.

Have you ever wondered where Whistling Kites live? Well, these stunning birds are primarily found in Australia, specifically in the northern, eastern, and western regions. However, there is also a small population residing in the southern parts of New Guinea. If you’re interested in seeing them, you’re in luck! You can spot Whistling Kites year-round within their range on mainland Australia, as well as in the Solomons, New Caledonia, and southern New Guinea. Although they are much less common in Tasmania, you might still catch a glimpse of them there. If you’re curious about their habitats, lightly wooded and open areas are ideal places to find them. These birds can also be found in farmland, vineyards, airstrips, paddocks, and areas with carrion (like roadside and rubbish dumps). Keep an eye out for them circling lazily in the sky, searching for food!

Se sabe que Whistling Kite hace llamadas mientras está en el suelo. Pero, ¿migran estas aves? La respuesta varía dependiendo de su rango. En Australia, son parcialmente migratorias. Los que se encuentran en las partes sur y sureste del país viajarán a áreas más cálidas de la costa y el norte, a menudo reuniéndose en grupos de alrededor de diez. Mientras tanto, las aves en lugares tropicales y templados tienden a quedarse todo el año.