This species is also the only nocturnal species within the order Accipitriformes despite few differences found in its visual anatomy to other closely related kites.
WA: Vulnerable
Indigenous: White-Breasted Sparrow Hawk
At a glance
FamilyHawks, Eagles, and Kites
SizeMedium
RarityUncommon
Habitatshrubland, herbaceous graminoids scattered, herbaceous graminoids sparse hummock grasses, sparse woodland, and grassland
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from May to August.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Mike Letnic
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
940approx records
5states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Underparts white with two black patches on underwing extending from
Behavior
The species begins breeding in response to rodent outbreaks, with pairs nesting in loose colonies of up to 50 birds each. Roosting in well-foliaged trees during the day, the letter-winged kite hunts mostly at night.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
New South Wales
South Australia
Northern Territory
Victoria
Western Australia
Commonly confused with
Collared SparrowhawkTachyspiza cirrocephalaWhen soaring, tail-tip is notched when not fanned out. When perched, look for a tiny bill, blank-staring expression (no heavy brow), and very skinny legs.→Black-shouldered KiteElanus axillarisUnderparts white with two black patches on underwing, extending from→