Yellow-billed Kite
Milvus aegyptius
Yellow-billed Kite scavenges small animals and carrion in African savannas.
| Scientific name | Milvus aegyptius |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Mkorogo mweupe |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Size | Male: approximately 0.8-1.0 kg; Female: approximately 0.9-1.1 kg |
How to identify
Distinctive yellow bill; plumage mainly brown with pale spotting; forked tail; noticeable pale patches under wings in flight; medium-sized raptor
Habitat
Open woodland savanna, open grasslands, shrubs, valleys, and near wetlands
Diet
Omnivorous, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, and carrion
When it is active
Diurnal, active frequently during the day
Where it lives
Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya and the Masai Mara region
How to spot it
Observe in open areas at dawn or dusk, paying attention to tail shape and bill color in flight
Photography tips
Use telephoto lens to capture forked tail and bill details in flight; choose well-lit times for photography
Threats
Habitat loss, pesticide pollution, and human disturbance
Similar species
Black Kite (Milvus migrans); differs by yellow bill in Yellow-billed Kite versus black bill in Black Kite; forked tail more pronounced
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