One of Australia’s most unusual birds of prey, instantly recognizable by the striking black pattern under its wings that forms the shape of a giant “M” or “W” when it flies. This bold “letter” is what gives the species its name and makes it stand out from its close relatives, the Black-shouldered Kite and the Black-winged Kite. While those species are daytime hunters, the Letter-winged Kite has taken a very different evolutionary path—it is mostly nocturnal, making it the world’s only night-hunting kite. With its pale grey body, soft white plumage, and large, deep-red eyes, it almost looks like a blend between a hawk and an owl.

Unlike many birds of prey that rely on soaring during the day, the Letter-winged Kite does its best work under the cover of darkness. As night falls, it hovers silently over open grasslands and desert edges, scanning and listening for movement from its favorite prey: rodents. It is especially fond of long-haired rats, which appear in huge numbers after rainfall in Australia’s arid interior. When these rodent populations boom, the kites respond dramatically—they gather in groups and begin nesting in large colonies, sometimes filling a single patch of outback trees with dozens of breeding pairs. This boom-and-bust pattern is one of the most fascinating features of the species. In good years, their numbers can surge, but when rodent populations crash, the birds disperse widely and become difficult to find.

Another thing that makes this species so distinctive is its quiet, almost ghost-like lifestyle. During the day, Letter-winged Kites hide in leafy trees to avoid the harsh sun and predators. They remain almost completely still, blending into the foliage. Because they move mostly at night, many Australians have never seen one, even if they live near its habitat.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

1,000-10,000

Official estimate

NT

2022