Brahminy Kite - photograph by Ron Saldino

Another photograph by Alister Benn

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus). This bird is a scarce winter visitor. It is found in the wetlands of India and Haryana. It has bright rusty red wings, which are chocolate brown in young birds. Wings are long, broad, rounded; tail is short and rounded when fanned. Head, neck, breast white; rest of body bright chestnut; primaries tipped black; feet yellow. It can be distinguished from other similar birds by its rounded tail in flight. Its prey consists of fish, frogs, snakes and mice.

Order: CICONIIFORMES    Family: Accipitridae   Size: 50 cm   Local Name: Brahminy Cheel or Shankar Cheel    Call: A thin mewing scream kweeaa or kyeeer usually while soaring.