Shelter: Large trees for nesting and raising their young
Diet: Mammals, birds, fish and insects
Water: Bird baths and frog ponds
ReWild Benefit: Pest control
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Whistling Kites build nests high in the canopy of large mature trees dotted throughout the landscape. They perch high in the tree tops to scan for potential prey and suitable habitat.
Keep and maintain mature trees in your garden as they provide habitat and shelter for local birds of prey. Alternatively, you can plant a large habitat tree for future generations.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Whistling Kites are predators and investigate local gardens for potential prey including small birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Toxins from baits are travelling up the food chain as birds feed on poisoned rodents. Overtime, the toxins build up in the birds body and result in lethargy, clumsiness, paralysis, and are ultimately fatal.
If baits are required to control a rodent problem, look for the active ingredients Warfarin or Coumatetralyl as they are much less harmful to birdlife.
Providing sources of water
Whistling Kites prefer to live reasonably close to water and have been known to visit large bird baths and frog ponds for a drink.
ReWild Benefits
If you want to know more about Whistling Kites visit BirdLife Australia. If you have seen one in your neighbourhood or around the home you can record your sighting on Birdata and help scientists monitor their population.
