Explore Map Collection

Check out our basemaps

Print a Map Plus

Generate a high-quality PDF

Discover local flora, fauna, geology, and more

Local Flora & Fauna

Learn the ecology of your area

Learn the geologic formation at your feet

Get Started or Sign In

Welcome

Sign up to start exploring the one-of-a-kind Natural Atlas Topo map

Continue with Apple

Or

Already have an account? Sign In

MAP

Topo

Rock Formations

Measure

Copyright © Natural Atlas | Roads, Buildings © OSM Contributors | Data Sources

Topo

Ecoregions

Public Lands

...

BASEMAPS

Default Weather

Temperature

Smoke

...

WEATHER

Letter-Winged Kite

Elanus scriptus (species)

On the Web

On Wikipedia

The letter-winged kite (Elanus scriptus) is a small, rare and irruptive bird of prey that is found only in Australia. Measuring around 35 cm (14 in) in length with a wingspan of 84–100 cm (33–39 in), the adult letter-winged kite has predominantly pale grey and white plumage and prominent black rings around its red eyes. It gains its name from the highly distinctive black underwing pattern of a shallow 'M' or 'W' shape, seen when in flight. This distinguishes it from the otherwise similar black-shouldered kite. The species begins breeding in response to rodent outbreaks, with pairs nesting in loose colonies of up to 50 birds each. Three to four eggs are laid and incubated for around thirty days, though the eggs may be abandoned if the food source disappears. Chicks are fledged within five…

Read More on Wikipedia

Your Checklist

You have noted 0 Letter-winged Kites

Learn How to Take A Field Note

Range Map

Range Maps show field notes recorded by Natural Atlas contributors and other datasets via GBIF.org

Join Natural Atlas to keep track of the Letter-winged Kites you see on your outings.

Join Natural Atlas

Already have an account?

Top Observers