A Brahminy Kite has noticed you

Ah, perfect timing! I’ve just settled down with my latest catch… still warm, still fresh, yummm! A bit dramatic, I know, but that’s life out here… wild beauty on full display. Since you’re already watching, you might as well stay and have a little chat with me. Let me introduce myself properly. I am a Brahminy Kite, Haliastur indus if you prefer the scientific flourish. Most people recognise me instantly thanks to my chestnut cloak and crisp white head and breast. Quite the contrast, isn’t it? When the sun hits my feathers, they glow a rich copper-brown. And once I take off, my slow wingbeats and slightly bowed wings form a distinctive shape against the sky. Some call it elegant. I call it effortless. You’ll mostly find me near coasts, lagoons, and estuaries… but don’t box me in too quickly. I’m just as comfortable over inland tanks, lakes, and the open plains of the National Parks. That’s the wonderful thing about this island… plenty of water, plenty of prey, and plenty of perfect perches. From a tall tree or a rocky ledge, I can survey an impressive stretch of land. Not much escapes these eyes.

Let’s talk food, since that is what brought you and me together today. I am known as a scavenger, and yes, I happily clean up whatever nature leaves behind. But I am far from lazy. When the moment is right, I hunt with precision. Fish, crabs, frogs, rodents… all fair game! And if another bird or even a fisherman gets careless with their catch… I… help myself. Hey! There’s no shame in being efficient. In fact, I am quite a strong believer in it. For example, when I am in the air, I rely on warm currents to carry me effortlessly across long distances. Efficiency in flight! Also, it feels like a quiet kind of freedom, drifting, circling, and floating wherever the wind decides to take me. If you ever find yourself near a lagoon and hear a high, ringing whistle, that is probably me or my partner announcing our presence. We usually travel in pairs, loyal companions who defend our territory throughout the year. Our nests are large structures built from sticks and placed high in the trees, most often near water. Two or three eggs, shared incubating duties, and weeks of careful nurturing; that is the rhythm of our family life. The youngsters take their time learning the skills they need, but once they’ve mastered flying and hunting, they set off with confidence. Anyway, it’s been nice talking to you, but I should return to my meal before someone else gets ideas.

Yala National Park may be famed for its leopards, but its skies and treetops hold just as much wonder. Among the many bird species that thrive here, the Brahminy Kite is a regular and unforgettable sight. During a late morning safari, Mahoora guest Ceridwen captured a remarkable moment: a Brahminy Kite standing proudly over its fresh kill. Thanks to the many food and water sources around the Mahoora Tented Safari Camps in Yala and Wilpattu, many varieties of birds frequently appear near camp, treating guests to memorable sightings.