A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

Plate 11 in Handbook (Field Guide plate 13).

Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura
Australia

Black-breasted Kite Hamirostra melanosternon
Australia

Australian Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaries. Australia

Letter-winged Kite Elanus scriptus
Australia

ABOUT THE BIRDS The Square-tailed Kite glides buoyantly on long wings as it searches for small prey, including birds’ eggs and nestlings, in treetops. It is also adept at catching insects flushed by bushfires.

The fast flying, somewhat eagle-like Black-breasted Kite has learned to crack emu eggs by throwing stones at them with its bill. Rabbits and young kangaroos are among other prey.

Small rodents are the favourite food of the Australian Black-shouldered and Letter-winged Kites. The latter is especially nomadic, but both species will wander in response to drought and fluctuations in prey populations.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)