Black-shouldered KiteScientific name: Elanus axillaris

Meaning of name: Elanus is from the Greek word elanos, meaning kite. The meaning of axillaris is not known.

Distribution: Found throughout Australia.

Description: Up to 35cm long with a 100cm wingspan.

Notes: The furthest distance recorded by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme for this species of bird to travel is 1,073km. The oldest bird recorded was recovered 3 years 6.3 months after being banded (information as at 14 June 2012).

References: What Bird is That? Neville W Cayley. 1978

Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Various contributors.

Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/science/abbbs/abbbs-search.html