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Habitat
large parts of Europe, Asia and Africa
Food
fish, insects and small birds, reptiles and rodents
Lifetime
maximum of 28 years
Weight
750 to 1000 grams
Span
mean. 140 to 150 cm
Number of eggs
1 to 3 eggs
Incubation time
1 month
IUCN Status
safe
EEP?
no
Colour difference
The black kite isn’t actually black at all. Its feathers are grey and dark brown. The only part that is truly black is its beak. The black kite is so named because it is much darker in colour than its relative, the red kite. A kite is easily recognisable when it is flying, as its tail is V-shaped. The kite uses this tail to steer itself through the air.
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Theme area: An Eye for Detail
You’ll encounter the black kite in the ‘An Eye for Detail’ theme area. Here, you’ll learn how striking patterns and clever adaptations, or an animal’s appearance, can be used to hide or, conversely, to deter predators.