What does the White-winged Kite eat?

The White-winged Kite's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore, primarily feeding on small mammals (especially voles and mice), but also takes large insects, small birds, and reptiles.

How it forages

A highly specialized hunter, primarily preying on small rodents. It hunts by hovering motionless in the air, often at heights of 10-50 meters, scanning the ground below. Once prey is spotted, it drops silently with wings held high, often making several short, shallow dives before striking. It may also hunt from a perch.

When it feeds

Diurnal, most active during the morning and late afternoon.

Explore the White-winged Kite