Oriental Bird Images
 

 
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Black Kite Milvus migrans   - In flight from below
Black Kite
Photographer : © Arpit Deomurari
Location :Jorbeed, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Date : 17 November 2012
English synonyms:Common Kite, Pariah Kite, Black-eared Kite (lineatus), European Black Kite
Bird Family :Accipitrinae - Hawks, Bazas, Honey-buzzards, Eagles, Kites, Vultures, Harriers & Buzzards
Bird Group :CICONIIFORMES
Red Data Status :Least Concern
Remarks :Amongst 4000+ raptors I came across a very rufous looking kite....which reminded me of juvenile Red Kite Milvus milvus. - AD

While superficially resembling Red Kite, this bird on closer inspection reveals several features identifying it as Black Kite with reduced dark colourants in the pigmentation, probably due to a mutation in the genes controlling the production of melanins. The bird shows six fingers; the tail only has a shallow fork; the 'windows' on the 'inner hand' are less contrasting than on a typical Red Kite; the head is slightly darker than the body; streaking on the underbody is relatively faint; wings are rather broad; relative lack of contrast between the lesser and remaining underwing coverts. - Ed