Letter-winged Kite

Elanus scriptus · Raptor native to Australia
Order
Accipitriformes
Conservation
NT Near Threatened
Codes
lewkit1, LWKI

About the Letter-winged Kite

The letter-winged kite is a small, rare and irruptive bird of prey that is found only in Australia. Measuring around 35 cm (14 in) in length with a wingspan of 84–100 cm (33–39 in), the adult letter-winged kite has predominantly pale grey and white plumage and prominent black rings around its red eyes. Its name derives from its highly distinctive black underwing pattern of a shallow 'M' or 'W' shape, visible when in flight. This distinguishes it from the otherwise similar black-shouldered kite. This species is also the only nocturnal species within the order Accipitriformes despite few differences found in its visual anatomy to other closely related kites.

Source: Wikipedia

Taxonomy & Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderAccipitriformes
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites (Accipitridae)
SpeciesElanus scriptus
Species Codeslewkit1, LWKI
ConservationNT Near Threatened

Frequently Asked Questions

What family does the Letter-winged Kite belong to?

The Letter-winged Kite (Elanus scriptus) belongs to the Hawks, Eagles, and Kites family (Accipitridae), in the order Accipitriformes.

What is the conservation status of the Letter-winged Kite?

The Letter-winged Kite is classified as "Near Threatened" (NT) by IUCN Red List.

How can I identify the Letter-winged Kite?

The letter-winged kite is a small, rare and irruptive bird of prey that is found only in Australia. Measuring around 35 cm (14 in) in length with a wingspan of 84–100 cm (33–39 in), the adult letter-winged kite has predominantly pale grey and white plumage and prominent black rings around its red ey...

Where can I report a Letter-winged Kite sighting?

You can log sightings of Letter-winged Kite on eBird (ebird.org) using species code lewkit1, or on iNaturalist.