Whistling Kite

(Haliastur sphenurus)

The Whistling Kite is named for its call, a loud descending whistle, which it makes frequently while flying (as in this photo) or while perched. I went to the Adelaide River near Darwin Australia to see Saltwater Crocodiles, but the Whistling Kites put on a great show in the air above me.

These guys will eat just about anything, including roadkill. They are also accomplished pirates, known to force large waterbirds like herons to regurgitate their meals!

Photographed above the Adelaide River, near Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia