Black-shouldered Kite

Scientific 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 35 centimetres long with a 100 centimetre wingspan.

Notes:

The furthest distance recorded by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme for this species of bird to travel is 1,073 km. 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

Atlas of Living Australia https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/e382a431-801d-4a24-9a5a-03a262be9279