These are a medium-sized bird of prey found over most of the Australian mainland as well as Africa, Asia and Europe, they are probably the most numerous species of raptor in the world, the temperate populations of this kite tend to be migratory while the tropical ones are resident. They are quite common here and share the same habitats as the Whistling Kite however their distinctive forked tail and dark colouring make them easy to identify.
They occupy a variety of habitats from timbered watercourses to open plains and are often seen along our country roads. Although normally seen in small groups it may form huge flocks of many thousands of birds, especially during grasshopper or mouse plagues, no other Australian bird of prey is seen in such large flocks.
Their diet includes lizards, small mammals and insects and both live and dead (carrion) prey is eaten, they are also scavengers and frequent tips in outback towns, there are always a number of them at our local landfill.
The sexes are alike and during the breeding season from June to December they nest in a bulky cup of sticks, lined with softer material, that is placed in the fork of a tree branch, the female incubates the eggs while the male provides food.