Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks
Whistling Kite
Haliastur sphenurus
- Family
- Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks (Accipitridae)
- Order
- Accipitriformes
Overview
The whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) is a medium-sized diurnal raptor found throughout Australia (including coastal islands), New Caledonia and much of New Guinea (excluding the central mountains and the northwest). Also called the whistling eagle or whistling hawk, it is named for its loud whistling call, which it often gives in flight. Some authorities put this species in the genus Milvus, despite marked differences in behaviour, voice and plumage between this species and other members of that genus.
It is one of three birds that intentionally sets or spreads fires to catch prey.
Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Range and habitat
New Guinea, Australia (except western deserts, rarely Tasmania), and New Caledonia.
Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.
Sources and further reading
- Wikipedia: Whistling kite
- eBird: sightings, maps and photos
- xeno-canto: sound recordings
- Birds of the World: full species account (subscription)
- BirdLife DataZone: status and threats
- IUCN Red List (threat status)
- AviList global checklist (taxonomy)
Last updated September 29, 2026.
