- Black-shouldered Kite redirects here. For the species Elanus caeruleus, see Black-winged Kite.
Alternative Name: Australian Kite
- Elanus axillaris
Identification
35 to 38 cm in length and have a wingspan of between 80 and 95 cm. Adult Black-shouldered Kites are pale grey with a white head and white underparts. The leading edge of the inner wing is black which is visible when perched and the reason for their name.
Distribution
Present species is endemic to Australia.
Taxonomy
This taxon has been split from Elanus caeruleus (of Africa and Eurasia) which is called Black-winged Kite in Opus. One additional species from the same complex is White-tailed Kite ((Elanus Leucurus)). However, several taxonomic authorities still use the name Black-shouldered Kite for Elanus caeruleus, and those use Australian Kite for the present species. There is therefore lots of confusion in the naming of these species.
