THE BRAHMINY KITE

The brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) is one of the most familiar birds of prey, readily distinguished by its bright rusty brown upper plumage and white head, neck and breast. It is found throughout India, frequenting open country in the vicinity of towns and villages, especially along the seacoast and near large rivers, marshes and tanks. It is invariably found in large numbers around harbours, seaports and fishing villages, picking up scraps and garbage, and thus acts as a good scavenger. It feeds mainly on fishes, crabs, frogs, etc., but small snakes and even winged termites merging from their nests are sometimes eaten. The breeding season is from December to February in the South, but somewhat later in North India. Two eggs, occasionally three, are laid in a nest placed on a tree.