Black-shouldered kite
Elanus caeruleus (Desfontaines)

Identification: The Black-shouldered Kite is a small bird about the size of a Kestrel measuring about 33 cm. in length. The colour of its plumage is gray and white accompanied with jet-black shoulders. The tail is short and slightly forked. It has red eyes, a yellow cere, a pale gape and deep yellow feet ending in black claws.

Habitat: It is widely distributed throughout the riverine and tamarisk jungles, cultivated lands, rice fields and semi-desert areas.

Distribution: It is a resident bird of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan.

Breeding: Breeding season extends from April to early July and it lays 3-5 or sometimes 6 eggs in a clutch.

Food: It feeds on lizards, rats, mice and sick birds. It also likes locusts, grasshoppers, crickets and other insects.

Status: Common.