ACCIPITRIFORMES: Accipitridae

Elanus axillaris  

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)
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© Nikki Dunis 2009
Lake Samsonvale, QLD (Dec, 2009)

This red eyed wonder was spotted having a meal not far from Samsonvale Cemetery.

The Kite did seem to be a bit picky however on which was the best part of its lunch. Very easily disembowelling its prey and then dropping the insides to the ground. Preferring the nice red meat instead.

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)

Black-shouldered Kite

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)

Immature Black-shouldered Kite

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)

Black-shouldered Kite

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris)

Black-shouldered Kite