A striking and graceful bird of prey found throughout South and Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, and coastal regions of the Indian subcontinent. Known for its bold coloration and effortless flight, this raptor is a familiar sight along rivers, lakes, mangroves, and seacoasts, where it soars in wide circles, scanning the ground or water for its next meal. With its chestnut body and crisp white head, the brahminy kite is sometimes mistaken for an eagle, but its slightly smaller size and distinctive coloring set it apart.
One of the most beautiful features of the brahminy kite is its plumage. Adults have a rich, rufous-brown body with a snowy white head, neck, and chest, creating a sharp contrast that makes it one of the most easily recognized raptors in its range. The bird’s wings are broad and slightly angled, allowing it to glide smoothly with little effort, especially when riding warm coastal thermals. Its hooked beak, like other birds of prey, is perfect for tearing flesh, but it often uses it more for scavenging than for hunting.
Unlike hawks and falcons that specialize in fast pursuits, the brahminy kite is an opportunistic feeder. It eats a wide variety of foods, including fish, small mammals, reptiles, crabs, and carrion. One of its favorite meals is dead fish washed up on shorelines, which it often collects by swooping low over water. This flexible diet makes it well-suited to both wild habitats and human-altered environments.
In many cultures, especially in India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the brahminy kite holds symbolic or spiritual significance. In Hindu mythology, it is often associated with Garuda, the divine bird mount of the god Vishnu. Because of this, it’s sometimes considered a sacred bird, and spotting one is seen as a good omen. In Indonesia, the brahminy kite is the national symbol of Jakarta, featured on the city’s seal and known locally as elang bondol.
Distribution
Australia
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
Cambodia
China
East Timor
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Laos
Macao
Malaysia
Maldives
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Singapore
Solomon Islands
Sri Lanka
Taiwan
Thailand
UAE
Vanuatu
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
