Scientific Name: Haliastur indus
Common Name: Brahminy Kite

Identifying Features: reddish-brown plumage, white head and breast, yellow legs, black claws

Fun Facts:

  • They are mainly seen in the plains, but can sometimes occur above 5000 feet in the Himalayas.
  • Young birds may indulge in play behaviour, dropping leaves and attempting to catch them in the air.
  • In Hinduism, it is considered as the contemporary representation of Garuda, the sacred bird of Vishnu.

 

This image was clicked by Navaneeth KN – via Flickr.

Where have you seen this bird? Let us know in the comments below. You can also share a photo of this bird clicked by you by sending it to birdwatcher@delhigreens.org