A Successful Extra-limital Breeding Record of the Black Kite Milvus migrans South-west of Melbourne, Victoria

Abstract

In October 2001 a nest of the Black Kite Milvus migrans was detected 35 km south-west of Melbourne, Victoria, well outside the known breeding range of this species. Subsequently, this pair successfully fledged two offspring in early January in early January, 2002, with the first- and second-fledged young obtaining independence in just 12 and 10 days respectively. Small numbers of Black Kites are frequently found in the study area, but have not previously been observed breeding. Unusually low numbers of Whistling Kites Haliastur sphenurus in the study area in 2001 may have facilitated the successful breeding by the Black Kites.