The Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura: A Review

Abstract

The literature concerning the Square-tailed Kite's morphology, habitat, diet, hunting methods and breeding biology is reviewed and supplemented with field observations and museum data. The Square-tailed Kite is considered a specialised inhabitant of passerine-rich Eucalyptus open forests, woodlands, and heathlands, preying primarily on the young of small foliage-nesting birds by means of low, slow searching flight. It nests in mature living Eucalyptus and Angophora trees in sclerophyllous vegetation, usually near water in the inland though not necessarily so in coastal areas. It apparently has a low breeding density, large home range and traditional nest site. Aspects of its biology indicate that it is related to the Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon, but neither species seems close to the milvine kites. The Square-tailed Kite appears to be threatened by habitat destruction; this suggests an urgent need for a detailed study of its biology and ecology.