Whistling Kite

The Whistling Kite, Haliastur sphenurus, is sometimes thought of as a scruffy-looking, small eagle. It is most recognisable by its large white ‘M’ (or ‘W’) underwing marking seen in flight or its diagnostic call consisting of a down-slurred whistle followed by 3 or 4 ascending short notes.

Males and females have similar plumage but the female is often 20% larger than her male partner. Pairs are thought to mate for life. They build a large stick platform-nest in a tall tree, sometimes in close proximity to other whistlers.

Whistling Kites are considered sedentary with a a little nomadism at times. They are commonly seen in central and east Gippsland and around Port Phillip Bay but not so common here in West Gippsland. It was a surprise (to me) to tick one in the vicinity of the Drouin Waste Water Treatment Plant in Settlement Rd during a recent bird survey.

For a bird their size, Whistling Kites can often be seen soaring and gliding gracefully as they ride thermals or circle in search of prey. They like to take live mammals (rabbits and rodents, etc.) fish, other birds, insects, etc. but are known to also dine on carrion at times.