Birds · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae

Black Kite

Milvus migrans

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is arguably the most abundant bird of prey in the world, with a global population estimated at up to 6 million.

Weight

600 g – 1.1 kg

Size

47 cm – 65 cm

Lifespan

22 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Colony

Lives in large concentrations, often for breeding reasons.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

Fun facts

It is known for actively decorating its nest with eye-catching material such as white plastic, a behaviour that is unusual among birds of prey.
It feeds on carrion, fish, small mammals and human refuse.
It lives in a wide range of habitats across Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania, large cities included.
comportamientoIt can gather in migrating flocks of thousands at narrow crossing points between continents, such as the Strait of Gibraltar.

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: A wide range of habitats across Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania, large cities included
Birth weight: Born altricial and covered in sepia down
Size at birth: Born altricial
Sexual maturity: 2-3 years; most breed for the first time at 3 years old
Gestation / incubation: 30-34 days
Litter / clutch size: 2 to 3 eggs per clutch
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of up to 23.7 years