Foraging, Habitat Use and Nesting of the Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris in the Australian Capital Territory

Abstract

Aspects of the behaviour, foraging, habitat use and nesting of the Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris, during the birds' prelaying period, were studied by observation of one pair in October 1991. The pair occupied a home-range of 200 ha and defended a territory of 100 ha about the nest. The male foraged over tall grassland with numerous perches, mostly by quartering and hovering, and caught only mice (presumably House Mice Mus domesticus) , captured by drop-attacks; he delivered 4-5 mice per day to the nest-building female. The male spent most of his time perching, on exposed perches, but foraged in bouts of about 2 hours morning and afternoon (for 4 h/day), whereas the female spent most of her time on the nest. Vocalisations, nest-defence and nest-site characteristics are described.