Black shouldered Kite - photograph and copyright Rajiv Lather

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caerulus), also called the Black-winged Kite. This bird is a common breeding resident. This bird is found in the open areas and cultivated lands of Haryana. The size of this predatory bird is just about that of the Common Crow. It is a graceful bird with a white head, neck and throat. A distinctive line above the eyes makes it look as if it is wearing dark sunglasses from a distance. The black patch on the wing and shoulder is its other identifying mark. It comes out to hunt in the evening and has the habit of hovering in the air in one place, flapping its wings, searching for its prey which consists of nice, lizards, locusts etc. Both sexes look alike, but females are a little larger.

Order: CICONIIFORMES   Family: Accipitridae   Size: 32 cm   Local name: Kapassi Cheel   Distribution: Asia and Africa