Black-shouldered Kite look-alikes
Elanus axillaris
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Black-shouldered Kite. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Letter-winged Kite
Elanus scriptus
Key differences
The Letter-winged Kite is very similar but has a distinctive black 'W' or 'M' pattern on the underwing formed by black primary coverts, which is absent in the Black-shouldered Kite. It also has a more nocturnal hunting habit and is restricted to inland arid and semi-arid regions of Australia.
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Key differences
While also a raptor that hovers, the Osprey is much larger, has a dark brown back and white underparts with a dark eye stripe, and primarily hunts fish. Its flight profile and habitat are distinctly different.
Nankeen Kestrel
Falco cenchroides
Key differences
The Nankeen Kestrel also hovers, but it is smaller, has rufous-brown upperparts, a streaked breast, and lacks the prominent black shoulder patches. Its flight is often more buoyant and less powerful than the Black-shouldered Kite.
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