PORT PHILLIP BAY


Whistling Kite 

Haliastur sphenurus

View scientific description and taxonomy

Scientific Details

See below for information.

Taxonomy

Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Falconiformes
Family:
Accipitridae
Genus:
Haliastur
Species:
sphenurus

General Description

Body light brown with paler and streaked underneath. Tail long with a rounded tip. Body up to 60 cm long.

Biology

Whistling Kites have a distinctive call, a rapid ascending whistle. They usually live near swamps and rivers.

Habitat

Lowlands, open pastures and grasslands.

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Australia.

Species Group

Birds Eagles and falcons

Max Size

60 cm

Diet

Carnivore

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Conservation Status

  • DSE Advisory List : Not listed
  • EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
  • IUCN Red List : Least Concern
  • CITES : Trade restrictions (Appendix II)

Author

article author Longmore, N. W.

Wayne Longmore is a Senior Collection manager of terrestrial vertebrates at Museum Victoria.

Author

article author O'Brien, R.

Rory O'Brien is a Collection Manager of terrestrial vertebrates at Museum Victoria.

citation

Cite this page as:
Longmore, N. W. & O'Brien, R., 2011, Whistling Kite, Haliastur sphenurus, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 29 Mar 2024, http://136.154.202.208:8098/species/7860

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