Whistling Kite

Haliastur sphenurus (Vieillot, 1818)

Whistling Kite, Haliastur sphenurus, is a bird of Australasia, breeding in Australia, south-central, north-eastern and south-eastern New Guinea, and Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is an open-country raptor, usually associated with lightly wooded places and water, and it may occur from sea level up to 1400 metres. Its name comes from its clear whistle, which is often heard in flight. The species has a small head and a long tail, and the underwing pattern is striking. It is also known as the whistling eagle or whistling hawk.

Order

Accipitriformes

Family

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Breeding range

Australasia: Australia, sc, ne, se New Guinea and Grande Terre (New Caledonia)