Black-winged Kite

The Black-winged Kite (scientific name Elanus caeruleus) is a relatively small bird of prey. It is a resident bird in Taiwan, primarily inhabiting open environments such as plains, farmlands, and grasslands. It is also a protected species in Taiwan. Its most distinctive feature is its ability to hover in mid-air. When it spots prey on the ground, it rapidly beats its wings to maintain a relatively fixed position in the air, meticulously scanning the ground from above. The Black-winged Kite mainly feeds on small animals like rodents, but also preys on lizards, insects, and small birds. Once it finds prey, it dives down from the sky to capture it. Adult birds are predominantly white, gray, and black, with striking red eyes, yellow cere, and legs. Its distinct black and white wings in flight, coupled with its unique hovering behavior, are key characteristics for identifying the Black-winged Kite. So, if you see a raptor hovering 'motionlessly' in the sky over plains or farmlands, it might be locking onto its next meal on the ground. Image source: https://share.google/PjRhVOBq91U5HK8cE