The Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) or Australian black-shouldered kite is a small raptor found in open habitat throughout Australia. Although I am not a raptor person, this one really caught my eye at Lake Coolmunda because he really was hovering just like a kite. He then swooped down quickly and flew to a fence pole where I could see he had caught a rat. I was so impressed, I was ready to offer him a job keeping my house free from rodents!
Their range is basically all of Australia. They seem to be territorial as I saw this one (at least I think it was the same one) on all 3 days we were at Lake Coolmunda in the same area.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BIRD
Australian Wildlife Conservancy
VIDEOS
See how they hover while hunting for prey.
Nice close-up