The Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura in Victoria

Abstract

Victorian records of the Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura since 1965 (n=58) were analysed for patterns of seasonal occurrence. There was a clear spring-summer bias, with 24 (41%) of sightings in spring, 7:1 (47%) in summer, 6 (10%) in autumn and I (2%) in winter; there were additional observations of birds behaving conspicuously (soaring high in display, n=IO) and breeding (3-4 pairs) in spring-summer. Records show that the species occurs throughout Eucalyptus-dominated habitats in the state but is very rare. Breeding was recorded south of 37 °S and probably south of 38 °S. The species is vulnerable in Victoria, and it is likely that most of the estimated breeding population of (50 pairs occurs on public land that is still subject to severe modification through timber extraction procedures.