![]() The endangered Snail Kite, formerly known as the Everglades Kite, is found in local areas of central and south Florida. Kites inhabit wooded areas and nest in tall trees, often pines and cypress. Short-tailed Hawks nest in treetops in wooded areas near water and in cypress swamps. They build nests in tall deciduous trees. Red-tailed Hawks may be found in woodlands, open areas, and groves. After raising the young, they may use the nest as a feeding platform. ![]() Nests are built in tall deciduous trees and often reused. Red-shouldered Hawks inhabit swamps and woodlands. They usually soar at high altitudes in search of prey.īroad-winged Hawks inhabit wooded areas often near water. Cooper's Hawks usually nest in tall deciduous trees. They are agile, woodland hawks that may hunt at bird feeders. They build nests on the ground or in thickets.Ĭooper's Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks are accipiters. Northern Harriers, also called Marsh Hawks, inhabit wetlands and fields. Golden Eagles are occasional visitors to Florida in nonsummer months. ![]() After breeding, in late May or June, most migrate north and return in August. There are now more than 3000 Bald Eagles in Florida.Įagles build huge nests in tall trees and often return to the same nest year after year. Thanks to conservation measures, the population is increasing. As a result of habitat loss and poisoning by pesticides and heavy metals, there were less than 3000 Bald Eagles in the continental U.S. In 1782, the Bald Eagle was chosen as the national emblem, beating out the Wild Turkey by one vote. Thanks for leaving your comment.Ĭome and visit us at Kariega in the Eastern Cape with our great SA residents rates.Īs a tour guide and bird guide in Rwanda I watch this bird species in many areas even in Kigali City.Photographs on this page courtesy of SFWMD How fortunate that they are common in your area. They are indeed a beautiful bird of prey. I know when summer is coming when they appear suddenly at the end of winter. They soar low over our house daily and I have even watched from the patio as they swoop down to steal my dog's meaty bone from the lawn. plenty for them to eat as the fields are harvested exposing small snakes and rodents. The YBK is common in this area in the summer months when the wheat harvest takes place. ![]() I live on a smallholding just outside of Malmesbury in the Swartland Western Cape. We also have an escaped Macaw living up here who has tried to befriend them, but has unceremoniously been chased and I fear injured.Ībout 20 were seen together at Cotswold Downs today over the 11th hole ~ might be the same group We have a group of between 5 or 8, who whistle in the pine trees daily for food in Winston Park. Every morning they sit in the tree whistling for breakfast. I think Elsje`s kites have migrated up the hill to Kloof where I go through packs of chicken necks most days feeding up to around 20 birds,great to watch the young birds learning to catch mid air. Thank you for your message, unfortunately we have not had this happen at Kariega Game Reserve. Kindly advise as this has never happened before? Kind regards, Elsje The majority, 13 YBK's have suddenly disappeared since with only 3 to 5 YBK's left, which is very unusual!!! I am very concerned as to their sudden disappearance. We had a flock of 18 YBK's in our area for the last 14 years in Westville, KZN, whom I have been feeding regularly every day during the period when they return from their migration (July - March). Let us know if you have seen the beautiful yellow billed kite while on safari at Kariega Game Reserve by emailing leave a comment below. This distinctive feature, together with it's bright yellow bill, makes this bird of prey easy to identify. When in flight the bird is fascinating to watch as it uses its tail as a very active rudder. Its plumage is mostly brown and it has a distinctive yellow bill, as beautifully depicted in Joanne's photo. They can sometimes be seen in November and December during impala lambing season eating the afterbirth.Ī fairly large bird, about 55 cm in length and with a wingspan approaching one and a half metres, the yellow billed kite is an impressive specimen. The birds eat mostly small rodents, frogs and insects. They are welcomed from as one of the first signs of our southern hemisphere summer (November to March)! They migrate annually to central-east Africa from late March each year. The yellow billed kite is one of the first migratory birds to arrive in southern Africa. ![]() While this intra-African migratory bird is commonly seen on our Eastern Cape game reserve between August and May, like any bird of prey, they are notoriously difficult to catch on film! Yellow Billed Kite Intra-African Breeding Migrant We loved this picture of a yellow billed kite taken by guest Joanne Norris. ![]()
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