Black kite / Schwarzmilan (Milvus migrans)

So weit oben war der Schwarzmilan, wenn das stimmt. 2026-03-17 09:08:27 Kaltbrunner-Riet

Observations

First documented observation: 2021-04-03 in Carona. Most recent observation: 2026-03-17 in Kaltbrunner-Riet.

Description

General: This is on my list of birds to find, as it is supposed to be exist in this area,but I've never identified one. Their call (see Vogelwarte link) is a rapid sequence of whistles, and definitely distinct from that of the red kites. Visually they are harder to tell apart, but if you look closely, it should be clear: the black kite has less of a V in its tail and no big white patch at the wingtips. birdguides.com has a guide to distinguishing black and red kites, and says black are much rarer, but that is not true in Switzerland - Vogelwarte.ch says Switzerland has 2800–3500 red kites and 2000-3000 black kites.
General: Tenatively identified one flying high over Lake Lugano at San Salvatore in Ticino.
General: Often near water.
General: Deutschland: Brut-, Zugvogel
Vocalization: A piercing, first ascending then descending long "piuuu". Starting as a clear tone then gradually taking on a vibrating character that differs from Red Kite. Also a sharp "kieee -ki- ki-ki". More vocal than Red Kite. [Link]

Seasonal behavior

Presence: 02-20 - 10-07
Breeding: 04-01 - 07-20
Migration in: 02-20 - 05-21
Migration out: 07-20 - 10-07
More details at Vogelwarte.ch

Other Details

Physical details

Physical details: length=55-60 cm, wingspan=160-180 cm, weight=630-941 g
Habitats: Agricultural

Vocalisation

Song: No details but a Xeno-Canto recording.
Song attributes: Frequency:
Birdnet 1932 - Wild guess was once black kite, check - Not analyzed - Volketswil. 2021-08-14 09:32:55 ♫ 2021-08-14 09:32:55 Source: BirdNet 20210814_093255 birdnet 1932 - Wild guess was once black kite, check - Not analyzed - Volketswil.mp3 (song)

Drei fallende Noten
XC884100 - Black Kite - Milvus migrans - flight call.

XC884100 - Black Kite - Milvus migrans - flight call. ♫ Source: XENOCANTO XC884100 - Black Kite - Milvus migrans - flight call.mp3 (flight call)


Call attributes: flight call Call melody: simple rhythmic, slow, Frequency: medium (1-5 KHz), Special sounds: swoop.