THE GHOST OF THE GRASSLANDS

❃ Gliding silently over open grasslands, savannas, and wetlands, the black-winged kite is a small raptor with an unmistakable appearance. Its pale grey-and-white body is contrasted by striking black shoulders and wingtips, while vivid red eyes give its delicate face an intense, watchful expression. Often seen hovering almost motionless above the ground, it is an elegant hunter built for spotting movement from above.

❃ The black-winged kite is a master of the hover hunt. It can face into the wind and remain nearly stationary in the air, scanning the grass below for mice, voles, lizards, insects, and other small prey. Once it detects a target, it drops swiftly from its hovering position, using its sharp talons to seize prey from the ground in a precise aerial strike.

❃ Found across parts of Africa, southern Europe, and Asia, the black-winged kite favors open landscapes where its keen eyesight and hovering ability give it an advantage. Its pale plumage and dark wings make it an especially striking sight against the sky, while its graceful hunting style has earned it a reputation as one of the most captivating small birds of prey.