Check out Australia Zoo’s Whistling Kite!

Introducing the pirate of the Australian skies – the whistling kite! Don’t miss Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors Show for your chance to see these impressive raptors take to the skies, in the world-famous Crocoseum. Woo-hoo!

Whistling kites are found throughout mainland Australia, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. They are a medium-sized kite with a very distinct call…you guessed it, they whistle!

These raptors are aerial masters and have the ability to snatch their food and consume it mid-flight, which is known as eating on the wing. Whistling kites are carnivorous. Using their keen vision and powerful talons they will take down prey such as reptiles, insects, fish and mammals sometimes as large as rabbits. They have been known to be an opportunistic hunter, often stealing meals from other birds of prey and dining on carrion wherever possible.

Whistling kites are a species of least concern, but, often fall victim to secondary poisoning and road trauma. Keep your eyes peeled and slow down on the roads to ensure the survival of these gorgeous raptors.