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News: Citizen scientists in Kerala observed normally day-active Brahminy Kites (Haliastur indus) feeding at night, highlighting the impact of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on bird behaviour.
About Brahminy Kites (Haliastur indus)
- The Brahminy Kite is a medium- sized predatory bird.
- It is also known as the red-backed sea eagle/ Chestnut white kite/ Rufous eagle.
- Scientific name: Its scientific name is Haliastur indus.
- Habitat: It inhabits coastal areas, mangroves, estuaries, and inland water bodies.
- Distribution: Its range includes countries such as India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and some Pacific islands.
- It is widely distributed in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan (part) and Sri Lanka.
- Characteristics
- Adult birds have a distinctive appearance with a white head and breast, contrasting with a rich chestnut plumage on the wings and body.
- Juveniles are a darker brownish-black with a paler head and prominent white patches under the wings.
- The tail is white, and they have a hooked beak and sharp claws.
- It differs from other kites in having a rounded rather than a forked tail.
- Call sound: Its call is a hoarse, wheezy squeal.
- Diet: It is carnivorous and a scavenger.
- It feeds on a wide range of small animals including fish, frogs, snakes, bats, mice, lizards and insects and also scavenges food.
- Behaviour: It is skilled fliers and use their keen eyesight to spot prey from the air and execute impressive dives to catch fish.
- They may also indulge in kleptoparasitism and try to steal prey from other birds.
- It doesn’t migrate but performs seasonal movements associated with rainfall in some parts of its range.
- It is usually seen alone or in pairs and may roost communally on large and isolated trees.
- It avoids both semi-desert tracts and dense forest.
- Cultural significance: It is considered sacred in Hindu mythology and is associated with Lord Vishnu.
- It is often depicted in Hindu art and is considered a symbol of ‘Garuda’, the mythical bird and mount of Lord Vishnu.
- Threats
- Hunting
- Collection of nestlings
- Habitat loss
- Disturbances
- Excessive pesticide use
- Conservation status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
- CITES: Appendix II
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Impact of ALAN on Bird Species
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