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Letter-winged Kite
Elanus scriptus Gould, 1842
Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles
Letter-winged Kite, Elanus scriptus, is a bird of prey found in central and northern Australia, from central Northern Territory and northern South Australia through central Queensland to north-western New South Wales. It is the only nocturnal member of Accipitriformes. The bird is recognised by the dark mark on its underwing that forms a shallow M or W in flight, which sets it apart from the similar black-shouldered kite. It was described by Gould in 1842.
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles
- Breeding range
- Australasia: c NT and n SA to c QLD and nw NSW (c Australia)
