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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Kilimanjaro Bird HubRaptorsBlack-winged Kite
Black-winged Kite on Mount Kilimanjaro
Elanus caeruleus
Black-winged Kite at a Glance
A hovering kite of open country and farmland
Important Elevation Note
No verified Kilimanjaro route-specific elevation range has been established for the Black-winged Kite. It favours open grassland, farmland and savanna with scattered trees and perches; the park checklist supports park-level inclusion, not a route-level altitude profile.
About the Black-winged Kite
The Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus) is a small raptor with pale grey and white plumage, bold black shoulder patches and striking red eyes. It is renowned for hovering above open ground while searching for rodents.
It is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist (Clements 2025 taxonomy). Individual trekking-route sightings have not been independently verified in this guide.
Natural Habitat
Open grassland, savannah and farmland
Open grassland, savanna, farmland, pasture and fallow fields.
Open grassland, savanna, farmland and open country with scattered trees and fence posts, where it hunts by hovering and dropping onto rodents and large insects. It favours open landscapes with available perches, not closed forest.
Black-winged Kite on Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro National Park checklist — route unverified
The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. However, this checklist-level record does not establish a confirmed sighting on any particular climbing or trekking route. Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Shira are all unverified; route-specific sightings and elevations have not been independently verified for this guide, and no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location.
| Route | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Marangu Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Machame Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Lemosho Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Umbwe Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Rongai Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Northern Circuit | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
| Shira Route | Included in current park checklist — route unverified | The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. No named trekking-route sighting has been independently verified; no route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location; no route-specific elevation range is established. |
African Majestic Adventure does not guarantee wildlife sightings. Encounters depend on natural movements, habitat conditions and weather.
Nature, Call, Diet & Behaviour
How the Black-winged Kite lives on Kilimanjaro
A high, twittering whistle or thin squeal, repeated in flight and while hovering.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly small rodents and large insects, taken from the ground, often by hovering and dropping; also small birds, reptiles and carrion.
Behaviour
Hunts by hovering into a headwind or quartering low over open ground, then dropping onto prey — often from a hovering position.
Breeding
Builds a small platform nest in a tree; clutch and timing vary regionally — no specific Kilimanjaro breeding season is claimed here.
Communication
A high, twittering whistle or thin squeal, repeated in flight and while hovering.
Distribution, Conservation & Fieldcraft
Where it lives, what threatens it, how to see it
Distribution in Africa & Tanzania
Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of southern Europe and Asia; in Tanzania it is widespread in open country; National Park checklist supports park-level inclusion.
Conservation - Least Concern
Least Concern (LC) globally. Least Concern (LC) globally; no Kilimanjaro-specific population estimate or trend is published in this guide.
Best Time to Observe
Scan fence lines, posts and open ground during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon when it is active.
Photography Tips
- Listen before looking
- Scan open ground and fence posts for a hovering pale kite with black shoulders
- Use a telephoto lens from a respectful distance
- Telephoto, keep distance, no playback near nests
Ecological Importance
A predator of rodents and large insects in open-country food webs; an important regulator of grassland prey populations.
Responsible Birdwatching
- Stay on authorised paths
- Never chase or disturb
- No feeding, no loud playback
- Photograph from distance, leave no litter
Field Guide — Black-winged Kite
A hovering kite of open country and farmland
What Is the Black-winged Kite?
The Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus, genus Elanus) is a small, elegant, largely white-and-grey kite famous for hovering motionless in the wind before dropping onto prey — one of the most characteristic raptors of open country.
How to Identify It
Approximately 31-37 cm in length. Pale grey above, white below, with black shoulder patches on the upperwing and a white rump and tail. The eye is strikingly red in adults. Juveniles are browner above and below, with streaked underparts. In flight the black shoulder patch is diagnostic.
Similar Species
- Scissor-tailed Kite — much longer tail, southern Africa.
- European Honey-buzzard — much larger, small-headed migrant.
- Black Kite — larger, darker overall with a more swept wing.
Natural Habitat
Open grassland, savanna, open farmland, open country with scattered trees and posts, and other open landscapes with perches and rodent-rich ground.
Where to Find It
The Black-winged Kite is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park bird checklist. This is park-level checklist evidence; no route, camp, altitude or viewing location is promoted as confirmed.
Diet and Feeding Behaviour
Mainly small rodents and large insects taken from the ground, often by hovering and dropping onto the prey; it may also take small birds, reptiles and carrion.
Behaviour and Daily Activity
It hunts by hovering into the wind over open ground or quartering on the wing, then drops onto prey. It may also perch on posts and wires and pounce from a low height.
Calls and Communication
A high, twittering whistle or thin squeal, repeated in flight or while hovering; not a loud crowing call.
Breeding and Nesting
Builds a small stick nest high in a tree. Clutch size and timing vary regionally; no specific Kilimanjaro breeding season is claimed here.
Distribution
Broad distribution across sub-Saharan Africa and into parts of Europe and Asia. Tanzania lies within its African range; the National Park checklist supports park-level occurrence.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC) globally. Locally affected by changes in open-farmland and grassland management.
Best Time to Observe
Scan fence lines, posts and open ground during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon when it is active.
Photography Tips
Use a telephoto lens; never approach nesting or feeding birds; avoid playback.
Ecological Importance
A predator of rodents and large insects in open-country food webs; an important regulator of grassland prey populations.
Why It Matters in Tanzania
The hovering kite of open country and farmland.
Responsible Birdwatching
Observe from a distance; never approach nesting or feeding birds; stay on authorised paths and respect farmland boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Black-winged Kite on Mount Kilimanjaro
What is a Black-winged Kite?
The Black-winged Kite is a small bird of prey with pale grey and white plumage, black shoulder patches and red eyes.
What is the scientific name of the Black-winged Kite?
Its scientific name is Elanus caeruleus.
Is the Black-winged Kite also called the Black-shouldered Kite?
Yes. Black-shouldered Kite is an alternative common name used for the species.
Is the Black-winged Kite found in Tanzania?
Yes. It is recorded in Tanzania and appears on the current Kilimanjaro National Park checklist.
Is the Black-winged Kite on the Kilimanjaro National Park checklist?
Yes. It is included on the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist.
Can I see a Black-winged Kite on the Marangu Route?
A verified route-specific sighting has not been established for this page. The park checklist does not guarantee that the bird will be seen on Marangu.
How large is a Black-winged Kite?
It is approximately 30–37 cm long, with a wingspan of roughly 75–90 cm.
What colour is a Black-winged Kite?
Adults are mostly pale grey and white, with black shoulder patches and black wingtips. Their eyes are bright red.
Why does the Black-winged Kite hover?
It hovers to scan the ground for prey, especially small mammals moving through grass and open fields.
What does the Black-winged Kite eat?
It feeds mainly on rodents and other small mammals, but may also take insects, reptiles and small birds.
Does the Black-winged Kite eat insects?
Yes. Insects can form part of its diet, although small mammals, particularly rodents, are important prey.
Where does the Black-winged Kite live?
It favours open grassland, savanna, farmland, pasture and lightly wooded landscapes.
Does the Black-winged Kite live in dense forest?
It is mainly associated with open habitats and scattered trees rather than closed, dense forest.
How can I recognise a juvenile Black-winged Kite?
Juveniles are generally browner and more buff-coloured than adults, with less vivid eyes and less sharply defined markings.
Does the Black-winged Kite build a nest?
Yes. It builds a stick nest in a tree, usually in open country.
Is the Black-winged Kite migratory?
It is resident across much of its African range, although local movements can occur.
What sound does a Black-winged Kite make?
It is generally quiet but may give thin whistles, piping calls and harsher rasping notes when disturbed.
What is the conservation status of the Black-winged Kite?
Its global conservation category is Least Concern.
Is the Black-winged Kite a large eagle?
No. It is a relatively small raptor in the family Accipitridae.
Can African Majestic Adventure guarantee a Black-winged Kite sighting?
No. The species is included on the Kilimanjaro National Park checklist, but wildlife sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Explore Kilimanjaro's Birdlife with African Majestic Adventure
Kilimanjaro offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and birds, from lower forested slopes to open high moorlands and rocky highlands. Our team can help you plan a trek that brings you closer to the mountain's wildlife while encouraging responsible travel and respect for Tanzania's natural environments.
African Majestic Adventure is committed to memorable mountain experiences while encouraging responsible travel and respect for Tanzania natural environments.