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Black kite (Milvus migrans) is an important bird playing significant role in environment sustainability, economy, and culture. Its current population status is of concern in rapidly changing urban scenario. The studied area was spread over approximately 20 Km2at outskirt of the city Prayagraj (U.P.), India. Observed area had humid subtropical climate typical to north-central India. There is easy availability of food items, water and shelter for this bird to reside and propagate. Point count method was applied to count Black kite at 7 most probable sites of its finding. Each site was observed in the evening twice in a month during maximum activity of the black kite. Data were represented and analysed with the help of suitable graphical mean and statistical tests. The mean population increased in subsequent years during study period. We recorded mean population 79.42±22.98 in year 2020. It increased to 109.67±39.92 in year 2021 and 143.58±51.75 in year 2022. Increase in mean population was significant while comparing population of year 2020 and 2022. Mean population of Black kite was found to oscillate every month. It was highest in the month of September (169.00±54.51) and lowest in the month of May (56.67±17.01). Yearly fluctuation in mean population was also noticed at each count points. Mean population was highest during monsoon season (137.60±40.41) and lowest in summer (72.33±17.63) with insignificant difference (p>0.05). Insignificant difference (p>0.05) in mean population was noticed during breeding (118.19±41.96) and non-breeding (100.66±53.19) season. Food availability and breeding grounds are important in population distribution. Dispersal and local migration play important role in population regulation. This study clearly shows how urbanization is favouring some opportunistic birds to survive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to update the status of the Black Kite Milvus migrans in the Emilia-Romagna region, reporting new data about nesting attempts, winter observations and major summer gatherings collected during the period 2006-2022.

Black kites of the nominal subspecies Milvus migrans migrans breed in Europe and winter regularly in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. As a new phenomenon, black kites with morphological characteristics of the subspecies Milvus migrans lineatus are observed in Europe. Based on observations of black kites in winter 2020/2021 summarized in this paper, based on other recent reports about wintering black kites in Europe and based on juvenile black kite tagged on Crete and tracked for two years, we conclude that hundreds to thousands of black kites are now regularly wintering in south of Europe, and in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe as well as in northern Africa. The growing number of wintering black kites in Europe is apparently caused by members of the population from a hybrid zone between M. m. migrans and M. m. lineatus breeding east of the Urals, i.e. from the area of the European part of Russia. This is consistent with the hypothesis of the spreading of M. m. lineatus and a subsequent hybridization zone between M. m. migrans and M. m. lineatus in a westerly direction from Siberia across continental Europe. Moreover, two black kites found dead on Crete were attributed to M. m. lineatus and M. m. migrans by cytochrome B gene sequence analyses. The juvenile black kite with lineatus features tagged on Crete and telemetrically tracked during the next two years moved to the south-western part of Russia during the next two summers, but did not breed. It spent the following two winters at the same landfill in south-western Turkey. It seems that an adaptation to food sources provided by municipal waste landfills is important for black kites wintering in Europe, the Middle East and Morocco.Highlights• Hundreds to thousands of black kites are now regularly wintering in Europe.• The growing number of wintering black kites is caused by birds from a hybrid zone between Milvus migrans migrans and M. m. lineatus in eastern Europe.• Municipal waste landfills are important as food sources for black kites wintering in Europe.

ABSTRACT Wild birds including raptors can act as vectors of clinically relevant bacteria with antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in black kites (Milvus migrans) inhabiting localities in proximity to human-influenced environments in southwestern Siberia and investigate their virulence and plasmid contents. A total of 51 E. coli isolates mostly with multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles were obtained from cloacal swabs of 35 (64%, n = 55) kites. Genomic analyses of 36 whole genome sequenced E. coli isolates showed: (i) high prevalence and diversity of their antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and common association with ESBL/AmpC production (27/36, 75%), (ii) carriage of mcr-1 for colistin resistance on IncI2 plasmids in kites residing in proximity of two large cities, (iii) frequent association with class one integrase (IntI1, 22/36, 61%), and (iv) presence of sequence types (STs) linked to avian-pathogenic (APEC) and extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Notably, numerous isolates had significant virulence content. One E. coli with APEC-associated ST354 carried qnrE1 encoding fluoroquinolone resistance on IncHI2-ST3 plasmid, the first detection of such a gene in E. coli from wildlife. Our results implicate black kites in southwestern Siberia as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant E. coli. It also highlights the existing link between proximity of wildlife to human activities and their carriage of MDR bacteria including pathogenic STs with significant and clinically relevant antibiotic resistance determinants. IMPORTANCE Migratory birds have the potential to acquire and disperse clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their associated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through vast geographical regions. The opportunistic feeding behavior associated with some raptors including black kites and the growing anthropogenic influence on their natural habitats increase the transmission risk of multidrug resistance (MDR) and pathogenic bacteria from human and agricultural sources into the environment and wildlife. Thus, monitoring studies investigating antibiotic resistance in raptors may provide essential data that facilitate understanding the fate and evolution of ARB and ARGs in the environment and possible health risks for humans and animals associated with the acquisition of these resistance determinants by wildlife.

Abstract The present experimental work was conducted to elucidate the toxicity of nimesulide at three different doses in black kites (Milvus migrans). M. migrans is one of the most common raptors near human habitations. The goal of the current investigation was to determine whether nimesulide is similarly hazardous to raptors as was diclofenac sodium and to investigate the acute oral toxicity of nimesulide in these birds. For this study, eight adult male black kites (M. migrans) were randomly divided into four groups. M. migrans in the control group (n = 02) were not treated with nimesulide. The other three groups were given nimesulide doses. The birds in the first (n = 02) were declared the control group. The second (n = 02), third (n = 02), and fourth groups were administered nimesulide at a low, medium, and high dose of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg live body weight of bird/day, respectively, for 10 days. Nimesulide-addled birds became listless and despondent, then anorexic. The birds were standing there with their eyes closed and showing no signs of life. There was an increase in saliva production, a slowing of breathing, and dilated pupils. No clinical signs were observed in the control group. No mortality was seen in the control or treated groups. The control group did not show lesions of gout, but black kites intoxicated with nimesulide at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg live body weight of bird/day showed inflammation, apoptosis, hemorrhage, necrosis, and leukocytic infiltration tissues of the liver, kidney, and heart of black kites (M. migrans) treated with different concentrations of nimesulide. The treated groups also showed apoptosis of myofibrils and hyperplasia. The hypertrophy, atrophy, fibrosis, necrosis of skeletal muscles and hemorrhage were prominent in the muscles of black kites (M. migrans) intoxicated with nimesulide. All observed histological alterations got worse in a dose-related way. There was no significant difference in AST, ALT, ALP, serum uric acid, but a significant difference was observed in the values of serum urea (p = 0.001) and serum creatinine (p = 0.019).

Water bodies are considered a barrier to the migration of large bird species, mainly because of the absence of thermals that these birds heavily rely on to move large distances with little energy expenditure. In this two-year study, we combined vertical and horizontal radar data with visual observations to compare the autumn migratory behavior of three facultative soaring species: European honey buzzards Pernis apivorus, western marsh harriers Circus aeruginosus and black kites Milvus migrans. Here we used non-parametric tests, linear and generalized linear models to investigate the effect of flock size, age, local weather conditions, time of the day and topography on the small-scale flight behavior of these species, quantified in terms of flight altitude, flight direction and distance from the mountain ridge. European honey buzzards, both adults and juveniles, were detected over the plateau near the mountain chain during suitable weather conditions for soaring flight (especially high temperature) and during high species flow, which facilitated the location of thermals. In contrast, inexperienced juveniles were less concentrated in space, forming smaller flocks and flying at lower altitudes, probably being less facilitated than adult in exploiting the soaring flight. The Western marsh harrier, a raptor largely using the flapping flight even over land, flew lower than adult honey buzzards and nearer to the mountain ridge during strong tailwinds, perhaps being efficient in exploiting their support using the flapping flight even during inter-thermal gliding. Such as western marsh harriers, black kites flew nearer the mountain chain during strong tailwinds, but they probably use soaring flight during such weather conditions to exploit their onward support even when circling in thermals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black kites of the nominal subspecies Milvus migrans migrans breed in Europe and winter regularly in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. As a new phenomenon, black kites with morphological characteristics of the subspecies Milvus migrans lineatus are observed in Europe. Based on observations of black kites in winter 2020/2021 summarized in this paper, based on other recent reports about wintering black kites in Europe and based on juvenile black kite tagged on Crete and tracked for two years, we conclude that hundreds to thousands of black kites are now regularly wintering in south of Europe, and in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe as well as in northern Africa. The growing number of wintering black kites in Europe is apparently caused by members of the population from a hybrid zone between M. m. migrans and M. m. lineatus breeding east of the Urals, i.e. from the area of the European part of Russia. This is consistent with the hypothesis of the spreading of M. m. lineatus and a subsequent hybridization zone between M. m. migrans and M. m. lineatus in a westerly direction from Siberia across continental Europe. Moreover, two black kites found dead on Crete were attributed to M. m. lineatus and M. m. migrans by cytochrome B gene sequence analyses. The juvenile black kite with lineatus features tagged on Crete and telemetrically tracked during the next two years moved to the south-western part of Russia during the next two summers, but did not breed. It spent the following two winters at the same landfill in south-western Turkey. It seems that an adaptation to food sources provided by municipal waste landfills is important for black kites wintering in Europe, the Middle East and Morocco. Highlights • Hundreds to thousands of black kites are now regularly wintering in Europe. • The growing number of wintering black kites is caused by birds from a hybrid zone between Milvus migrans migrans and M. m. lineatus in eastern Europe. • Municipal waste landfills are important as food sources for black kites wintering in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was intended to quantify the bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in black kites to provide indirect information about the extent of contamination of their habitats. In eight elements, concentrations of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) were higher than those recommended for raptors, while nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) were within the recommended range. We detected higher levels of Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, and Zn from northern Punjab, Cu, and Cd from central Punjab, while Pb in southern Punjab. Furthermore, the distribution of Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, and Cd among regions of Punjab was highly significant (p < 0.05); however, it was non-significant (p > 0.05) for Mn, Cu, and Zn. These elements showed following descending order of concentration levels: Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd. A significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between the body weight and Mn whereas non-significant (p > 0.05) with all other PTEs. In addition, the route of the exposure of most PTEs showed significant differences (p < 0.05), and for most PTEs, it was observed higher in the liver followed by kidneys, muscles, and feathers. Moreover, the bioaccumulation of most of the PTEs was gender-independent. As a result, black kites exhibited moderate to subclinical toxicity levels which may have significant effects on the population growth, reproduction, and abundance in Punjab, Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cataract is a common disease in the lenses of birds. Cataract surgery is the recommended treatment for birds with visual impairment. Nevertheless, reports of the results of cataract surgery in birds are limited. Case Description: An unknown-aged male black kite (Milvus migrans) was presented to Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital to evaluate and treat bilateral ocular cloudiness. Bilateral hypermature cataracts were diagnosed. A-scan biometry was performed to calculate the intraocular lens diopter power. Bilateral cataract extraction by lens aspiration with +17.5 diopter foldable intraocular lens implantation was successfully completed. Two months after surgery, the black kite navigated well and could fly and catch his food. Retinoscopy at 4 months postoperative revealed -0.5 diopters OD, whereas OS could not be assessed due to a poor reflection. Follow up at 3 years after surgery, the black kite’s vision remained favorable. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was successful in this black kite because the black kite’s vision was noticeably improved, and the black kite was able to navigate well. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation using a calculated dioptric power (+17.5 D) IOL in a black kite.

The diets of raptors are some of the best studied and well-known of all bird groups. Raptors are typically carnivores, hunting and feeding on vertebrates and, for some species, invertebrates. Here, we described instances of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) consuming non-native avocado (Persea americana) fruit in commercial orchards in northern Australia, over multiple years. This appears to be the first instance of frugivory by raptors in Australia. We review instances of frugivory for other raptor species globally. This review finds that 29 species of raptor from the families Falconidae, Accipitridae and Cathartidae have been recorded consuming fruit, significantly more than previous reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the application of the Swiss Cheese Theory (‘linear accident causation model’) to a local conservation project as a study case: i.e. the construction of a supplementary feeding station to support a local Black Kite Milvus migrans breeding population in a nature reserve of central Italy. In this regard, the project brings light to the conditioning factors (and related ‘slices’) that may be more critical when planning a conservation project. This experience provided valuable lessons in regards to conservation: (i) the authorization process (and related bureaucracy) represented the most challenging obstacle for the promoters and slowed down the project; (ii) the authorization process was easier and faster for a research project that anyway implied providing food to Black Kites; (iii) highly motivated volunteers and expert researchers made the difference; (iv) the use of the ‘effectiveness trajectories’ in conservation projects may highlight critical points, suggesting changes in strategy and facilitating the adaptive improvement of the project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The winter months are an important part of the year for raptors as survival throughout this period is critical for the succeeding year’s population recruitment. We reveal novel insights into the wintering of kites (Milvus spp.) on the Mediterranean island of Crete, Greece. We use a combination of 1) direct field observations, 2) online photograph searches and 3) analysis of satellite telemetry data from a tagged hybrid Red Kite × Black Kite (Milvus milvus × M. migrans migrans). The number of observations of wintering kites has increased since 1998. The wintering of numerous Black Kites with morphological features of both subspecies (M. migrans migrans and M. migrans lineatus) and a hybrid Red Kite × Black Kite is a new phenomenon on Crete.

The black kite Milvus migrans, one of the most common raptor species, shows great flexibility as regards food resources and breeding sites. While black kite subspecies are found all over Eurasia, Africa and Australia, it has been poorly studied outside of Europe, with virtually nothing known about the phylogeny of populations in Asia, India, Africa or Australia. We analysed 85 published black kite nucleotide sequences and ca 660 new sequences from the ranges of the main black kite subspecies using a non‐invasive method of DNA extraction from moulted feathers. In doing so, we evaluated genetic diversity and population affinities and reconstructed their demographic histories. Populations from Europe, northern Asia and India all had separate haplogroups of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The European and North Asian subspecies were isolated in the Pleistocene and spread across the northern Palearctic following climate amelioration, forming a broad intergradation zone from western Siberia and Kazakhstan to eastern Europe. Representatives of the European, North Asian and Indian haplogroups were found in Pakistan, where they probably breed. The Australasian population separated from the Indian population relatively recently and carries one of the two Indian major haplotypes. We found support for the assumption that the African yellow‐billed kite differs from the black kite at the species level. Further, the yellow‐billed kite contains at least two genetically distant mitochondrial lineages with ranges that do not correspond with its traditional subspecies ranges. Based on these data, we were able to outline the general pattern of black kite phylogeography over its entire range, making it possible to evaluate the evolutionary history of the species as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cataract is a common disease in the lenses of birds. Cataract surgery is the recommended treatment for birds with visual impairment. Nevertheless, reports of the results of cataract surgery in birds are limited. Case Description: An unknown-aged male black kite (Milvus migrans) was presented to Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital to evaluate and treat bilateral ocular cloudiness. Bilateral hypermature cataracts were diagnosed. A-scan biometry was carried out to calculate the intraocular lens' (IOL) diopter power. Bilateral cataract extraction by lens aspiration with +17.5 diopter foldable IOL implantation was successfully completed. Two months after surgery, the black kite navigated well and could fly and catch his food. Retinoscopy at 4 months postoperative revealed -0.5 diopters OD, whereas OS could not be assessed due to a poor reflection. Follow-up at 3 years after surgery, the black kite's vision remained favorable. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were successful in this black kite because the black kite's vision was noticeably improved, and the black kite was able to navigate well. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of bilateral cataract surgery with IOL implantation using a calculated dioptric power (+17.5 D) IOL in a black kite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black kite Milvus migrans is a common bird of prey demonstrating remarkable ecological plasticity. It inhabits a variety of habitats and is an increasingly synanthropic species. The black kite is widespread in Eurasia, Africa, Australia and adjacent islands. Palearctic kites migrate to Africa, India and China in winter, but kites of Africa and Australia are partly sedentary and partly seasonal migrants. The wide range and high mobility are the reasons of a complex population structure of the black kite. Commonly five to seven M. migrans subspecies are distinguished, each of which is widespread over extensive areas and has more or less an apparent phenotype. Recently, studies of genetic differences between black kite populations started to emerge. On the grounds of earlier studies of mitochondrial and nuclear genes of this species, we check whether there is a genetic support for separation of the black kite subspecies. Recent studies of some mitochondrial loci substantiate the recognition of at least the European (M. m. migrans), Asian (M. m. lineatus and M. m. govinda), African (M. m. aegyptius and M. m. parasitus), and Australian (M. m. affinis) black kite subspecies. Furthermore, the mitochondrial haplotype difference suggests that the African yellow-billed kite, including M. m. aegyptius and M. m. parasitus, should be a separate species as already proposed, or even two separate species.

The article is based on a series of surveys started in early December 2012 and ended in May 2018. The main goal of the study was a survey of the local resident breeding population of Yellow-Billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius). In total, 74 active nests and 2 inactive nests of Yellow-Billed Kite were found in surroundings of Cairo, Luxor, Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel.

Background. Black kite (Milvus migrans Boddaert, 1783) is a common diurnal bird of prey in Volga Region. Kites are very conservative in a choice of places for nesting and usually use the same nest for severally ears. M. migrans rarely built new nest.On the territory of Volga Region black kite forms stable migratory populations which due to nesting conservatism are characterized by constancy of individuals’ spatial distribution. This species of diurnal birds of prey is a convenient model for study of population polymorphism. Purpose of article is studying of polymorphism in black kite’s Volga population basing on analysis of mtDNA control region variability data. Materials and methods. Sample of probes were collected in a black kite’s Volga population during field studies in 2017–2019 using noninvasive methods. Sample includes 47 probes of feathers, from 29 of them DNA was obtain. For genetic analysis fragments of hyper variable control region of mtDNA (357bp) were used. Sequencing (n = 25) was carry out with ABI3500 (Applied Biosystems) sequencer. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity was studied in DnaSP 5.10.01.For reconstruction of phylogenetic relations methods of maximum likelihood and nearest-neighbor were implement educing MEGA X and MrBayes3.2.7. Median joining of mitochondrial haplotypes was constructed in PopART using TCS algorithm. Also 5 similar mtDNA region haplotypes of Black kites from South Spain population, 10 haplotypes of Red kites from European population and 2 haplotypes of Red kite’s subspecies M. milvus fasciicauda were analyzed. Significance level for all statistical tests is p

From 2014 to 2020, 32 black kites from various European countries were tagged with telemetry devices and tracked to study their spatiotemporal behaviour. Eleven birds which crossed the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea directly over large water bodies out of traditional migration routes over the Strait of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles/the Bosporus area and the east coast of the Black Sea were selected for this study. Ten birds attempted to cross the Mediterranean Sea and one attempted to cross the Black Sea. All black kites crossed the sea successfully but in one case the bird failed. The maximum water crossing length was recorded at 542 km. The average speed of the birds crossing the sea included a broad range from 27.7 to 97 kph. There was a correlation between average speed and tail-wind speed during the crossing. We conclude that the most favourable conditions for black kites when crossing large water bodies such as the Mediterranean and Black seas were sunny to partly cloudy weather with temperatures over 20 °C, the speed of the tailwind of 1.1–10.8 m/s and the air pressure over the standard value of 1013 hPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The winter months are an important part of the year for raptors as survival throughout this period is critical for the succeeding year's population recruitment. We reveal novel insights into the wintering of kites (Milvus spp.) on the Mediterranean island of Crete, Greece. We use a combination of 1) direct field observations, 2) online photograph searches and 3) analysis of satellite telemetry data from a tagged hybrid Red Kite × Black Kite (Milvus milvus × M. migrans migrans). The number of observations of wintering kites has increased since 1998. The wintering of numerous Black Kites with morphological features of both subspecies (M. migrans migrans and M. migrans lineatus) and a hybrid Red Kite × Black Kite is a new phenomenon on Crete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Echinochasmushas been described from the small intestine of the black kite (Milvus m. migrans) collected from Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and identified as E. swabiensis n. sp. The new species is different from its congeners in its body size; it has 22 collar spines which includes two corner spines on one side, four on the other side and eight marginal plus ventral spines on each side. There aretegumental-scale like spines interspersed on the anterior margin of the ventral sucker with a smaller, terminal oral sucker. The pharynx is nearly twice as large as the oral sucker, while the ventral sucker is nearly six times as large as the oral sucker. The suckers’ width ratio is 1 : 4.7 to 1 : 5.6. The vitelline follicles are compact and denser at the lateral sides masking the caeca. This species has been added to the record of trematodes circulating among avian species, especially in the study area.

Birds, and especially raptors, are believed to forage mainly using visual cues. Indeed, raptors (scavengers and predators) have the highest visual acuity known to date. However, scavengers and predators differ in their visual systems such as in their foveal configuration. While the function of the foveal shape remains unknown, individual variation has never been quantified in birds. In this study, we examined whether foveal shape differs among individuals in relation to eye size, sex, age, eye (left or right) and genetic proximity in a scavenging raptor, the black kite Milvus migrans. We assessed foveal shape in 47 individuals using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and geometric morphometric analysis. We found that foveal depth was significantly related to eye size. While foveal width also increased with eye size, it was strongly related to age; younger individuals had a wider fovea with a more pronounced rim. We found no relationship between foveal shape and genetic proximity, suggesting that foveal shape is not a hereditary trait. Our study revealed that the shape of the fovea is directly linked to eye size and that the physical structure of the fovea may develop during the entire life of black kites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three black kite (Milvus migrans migrans) pulli (siblings, BK1, BK2, and BK3) from the same nest in eastern Slovakia were tagged with telemetry (GPS/GSM) loggers on 1 July 2016. BK1 (female), BK2 (male) and BK3 (female) occupied post-fledging areas until 12 August 2016 when they began to migrate southeast. BK1 wintered in Libya, returned to Turkey in the summer, then wintered in Israel. After spending the winter there, it returned to Europe, looped the Baltic Sea and stayed in western Russia throughout the summer. During the autumn, it passed Ukraine and travelled along the Black Sea and wintered in Syria then it moved again to Europe. It used 18 temporary settlement areas (TSA) during its journey until 12 June 2019 when it was roadkilled in Norway. BK2 migrated to the northern tip of the Red Sea and crossed the sea where positions of the bird spatiotemporally coincided with a position of transcontinental cargo ship. It is expected that the bird died whilst on the cargo ship and its body was passively carried on-board and discarded on the west coast of the Red Sea. BK3 reached the northern outpost of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. It then continued southeast along the east coast of the Red Sea to Yemen and crossed the Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb to Africa. It wintered mainly in Sudan, Southern Sudan and Uganda, then returned along the west coast of the Red Sea and the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea arriving to the Turkey/Syria border area. Only two TSA were revealed on its route. The migration behaviour among these floaters during natal dispersal was substantially different and covered surprisingly large parts of Europe and North and East Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red kite (Milvus milvus) is a European raptor. Kites of the nominal subspecies Milvus migrans migrans (hereafter called black kites) breed in the Western Palearctic and in Central Asia. Due to the extremely short period since their divergence, black and red kites can successfully hybridize. A mixed pair of black kite female and red kite male was observed during breeding seasons 2017 and 2018 in Poltva, Ukraine (i.e., in the easternmost part of red kites' breeding territory). This pair produced three and three young in 2017 and 2018, respectively. DNA of the three young from 2018 was analyzed regarding their mitochondrial CytB haplotype and nuclear Myc gene alleles. All three young had a common black kite CytB haplotype. Myc alleles combinations suggest that the male parent could be not a pure red kite and could have a black kite among its ancestors. All three young from 2018 were presumed predated on or close to the nest by goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compiles the results of episodic visits of the aurhoes to the basin of the Izdrevaya river during 2012–2016. The main goals of those visits were: to figure out the species composition of nesting fauna of birds of prey, estabishing the manner of nesting pairs’ distribution and designing a system of nestboxes for different species of birds of prey and owls. 8 species of Falconiformes are present in the Izdrevaya river basin, 4 of which are nesting, and 3 species of Strigiformes, 2 of which are nesting. The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) has maximum density in the Izdrevaya river basin – 51.83 ind./100km2 (n=93). The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is the second in number after the Black Kite, its density being 8.88 ind/100km2 of the total area. The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), encountered only on two territories in 2012, inhabited 4 nestboxes in 2013 as the result of biotechnical measures taken, and its number increased to 8 pairs successfully breeding in the nextboxes in 2016. Main negative factors for birds of prey in the Izdrevaya river basin were established: electrocution on power lines, illegal logging, illegal construction of dams and the construction of waste-sorting plant with a range of solid municipal waste.

The aim of this study to follow up on the spring migration of the black kite (Milvus migrans) before crossing from the west bank of the Gulf of Suez opposite the South Sinai region, Egypt. Daily observations were carried out over the period 22 February - 12 May 2019, where 7,004 individuals (968 records) of BK were recorded. Most BK flight direction observed (46% NW and 17% SE) had a reversed direction of spring migration, which need to soar to gain height, and then return over and around the study area at higher altitudes to be able to cross the water barrier easily. The observed behavior of black kites is regularly shown in the study area despite long-term irregular weather conditions during the Spring, most of BK 66% were recorded during the prevailing northwardly wind. whereas, more than 43% of BK were recorded in low wind speeds, representing about 43% of all records, while less than 3% of birds recorded in high wind speeds, representing less than 6% of records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human socio-cultural factors are recognized as fundamental drivers of urban ecological processes, but their effect on wildlife is still poorly known. In particular, human cultural aspects may differ substantially between the extensively studied urban settings of temperate regions and the poorly studied cities of the tropics, which may offer profoundly different niches for urban wildlife. Here, we report how the population levels of a scavenging raptor which breeds in the megacity of Delhi, the black kite Milvus migrans, depend on spatial variation in human subsidies, mainly in the form of philanthropic offerings of meat given for religious purposes. This tight connection with human culture, which generated the largest raptor concentration in the world, was modulated further by breeding-site availability. The latter constrained the level of resource-tracking by the kites and their potential ecosystem service, and could be used as a density-management tool. Similar ties between animal population densities, key anthropogenic resources and human beliefs may occur in thousands of cities all over the globe and may fit poorly with our current understanding of urban ecosystem functioning. For many urban animals, key resources are inextricably linked with human culture, an aspect that has been largely overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing mortality factors and survival rates is a cornerstone for the management of threatened and harvestable species. Modern tracking technologies allow unprecedented opportunities to monitor the mortality of individuals for years. However, the methods employed to separate actual deaths from transmitter failures have rarely been validated.Here, we review these previous methods and exploit an intensive satellite‐tagging programme on raptorial black kites Milvus migrans to examine through tree models whether any tag‐parameter indicators could reliably separate 18 confirmed deaths (recovered corpse) from 32 confirmed cases of radio‐failure (tagged individual subsequently observed alive). Classification keys were validated on 21 confirmed deaths or radio‐failures from an independent tagging study on two other raptor species.Review of tracking studies on mortality showed that they are exponentially increasing and using a wide variety of indicators (e.g., battery charge, stationary locations, fix frequency/quality, sudden tag disappearance, or common sense), with no preponderance of any. Few studies confirmed enough deaths or radio‐failures to validate such methods.For GPS‐satellite tags, we found a reliable classification key that correctly classified 100% of the deaths and radio‐failures in both the calibration and validation datasets through three simple dichotomous indicators: (a) whether GPS locations were stationary or not; (b) whether background Doppler data confirmed them as stationary or not; and (c) whether GPS‐locations' frequency gave indication of transmitter malfunctioning or not (Figure 3).For tags recording Doppler locations alone, we failed to find a reliable classification key and advise future researchers to use Doppler data very cautiously (e.g., by censoring any uncertain terminal events) because misclassification rates are likely to be high.Synthesis and applications. Refining the death surveillance function of satellite and GPS‐tags will improve the capability of management practitioners to: (a) uncover under‐reported casualties provoked by illegal or conflictual causes (e.g., poisoning, shooting, collision with windmills); and (b) calibrate demographic models which form the basis of management plans (e.g., population viability or sustainable harvest models). Improved exploitation of such remote monitoring will markedly advance the efficiency, planning, and implementation of management projects on imperilled or harvestable species affected by illegal, conflictual, or cryptic sources of mortality. Refining the death surveillance function of satellite and GPS‐tags will improve the capability of management practitioners to: (a) uncover under‐reported casualties provoked by illegal or conflictual causes (e.g., poisoning, shooting, collision with windmills); and (b) calibrate demographic models which form the basis of management plans (e.g., population viability or sustainable harvest models). Improved exploitation of such remote monitoring will markedly advance the efficiency, planning, and implementation of management projects on imperilled or harvestable species affected by illegal, conflictual, or cryptic sources of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 1984 and 2017, 1,388 Black Kites were recorded, mostly in lowlands with 70% of observations made at Dravsko polje. They were observed from sea level to around 1,600 m a.s.l. with an average elevation of 271 m a.s.l. The species was present in Slovenia from mid-March to early December with indistinct spring and autumn migrations. The highest number of observations was recorded in May. The Black Kite was observed in 71 out of 238 10x10 km grid squares in Slovenia (29.8%), with more observations around known breeding sites and at sites with higher observer effort. Both the number of observations and the number of probable and confirmed breeding pairs increased. In 2011–2018, 10 breeding pairs were found at 7 sites (3–7 per year). Additionally, 11 probable breeding pairs at 9 sites (0–6 pairs per year) were found. The breeding population in 2011–2018 is estimated at 10–21 pairs with an average breeding density of 0.3–0.9 breeding pairs per 100 km2. The highest density was recorded at Dravsko polje with 0.6–2.2 breeding pairs per 100 km2. If possible breeding (breeding attempts) were also taken into consideration, the estimate would be up to five breeding pairs higher. The species was recorded at known breeding sites in most years after the breeding was confirmed. Black Kites were observed closer to larger water bodies and to rubbish tips than expected by chance. More Black Kites were recorded in areas with a lower percentage of forest and arable land and a higher percentage of meadows, settlements and wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the data on breeding ecology of the Black Kite breeding in shelter belts in south-eastern part of Altai Region. The length of the shelter belts studied in this work was 50 km. Through the period of this study a 72 nests of this species were revealed. We studied nesting preferences of Black Kites towards different wood species, ontogenetic state of trees, trunk diameter and tree strength using Ivlev-Jacobs electivity index. As a result we establish that the most preferable wood species is poplar (Populus sp.) (electivity index is 0.5), birch (Betula sp.) is used proportioned to its abundance (-0.02), and pine (Pinus silvestris) and maple (Acer sp.) are mostly ignored. Kites also prefer middle-aged generative trees (0.74) and avoid old ones (-0,18). Trees with trunk diameter 31–40 cm considered as most preferable (0,23). And trees with trunk diameter 21–30 cm is used proportioned to its abundance (-0,04). Trees with another trunk diameter are mostly ignored or completely avoided. Based on the index of tree strength (ITS) we established that Kites breeding in the shelter belts prefer trees with ITS = 1.6–2.0 (0.31), trees with ITT = 1.1–1.5 and ITT = 2.1–2.5 are used proportioned to its abundance (-0.02 and -0.07, respectively), and trees with ITT above 2.6 or below 1 are ignored.

There is a growing interest in the behavioural and life history mechanisms that allow animal species to cope with rapidly expanding urban habitats, which impose frequent proximity to humans. A particular case of behavioral bottleneck (i.e. conflicting interests) faced by animals in urban environments is how they will modulate the defence of their offspring against the potential danger represented by humans, an aspect that has received scarce research attention. We examined the nest defense against humans by a dense breeding population of a raptor, the Black Kite Milvus migrans, within the megacity of Delhi (India). Here, kites live on a diet dominated by human waste and meat offered through religiously motivated bird feeding practices. Nest defense levels increased with the number of offspring, and with the progression of the breeding season. Defense also intensified close to ritual-feeding areas and with increasing human waste in the streets, suggesting synergistic effects of food availability, parental investment, personality-boldness and habituation to humans, with consequent attenuation of fear. Thus, the behavioural response to a perceived threat reflected the spatial mosaic of activity of humans in the city streets, their cultural practices of ritual-feeding, and their waste-management. For synurbic species, at the higher-end spectrum of adaptation to an urban life, human cultural practices and attitudes may well be the most defining dimensions of their urban niche. Our results suggest that, after initial urban colonization, animals may continue to adapt to the typically complex, heterogeneous environments of cities through fine-grained behavioural adjustments to human practices and activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their high trophic level, raptor species may serve as important indicators of environmental contamination by heavy metals. This study was conducted to determine if the habitat of the black kite ( Milvus migrans ) is contaminated by heavy metals and arsenic and to assess the degree and type of exposure that may be present. For this purpose, this study was conducted on a group of captive birds (n = 12) and on a group of free-living birds admitted to two wildlife rehabilitation centers (n = 31). Blood samples were taken for analysis of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) concentrations by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Captive birds had the lowest blood concentrations for all toxic elements examined, but significant differences from the concentrations found in free-living birds were only observed for Hg and Pb (p < 0.01). Arsenic concentrations were almost three times higher in free-living birds (4.521 ± 5.695 µg/dl) then in captive birds (1.566 ± 0.753 µg/dl). In all the samples of captive birds’ mercury was not detected, while in free-living birds we observed a concentration of 7.493 ± 8.464 µg/dl (p < 0.01). Regarding lead, we observed a concentration almost four-fold higher in free-living birds (19.430 ± 29.294 µg/dl) then in captive birds (4.449 ± 1.987 µg/dl) (p < 0.01). Therefore, available sources of Pb and Hg seem to be present in the habitat of the black kite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) has a limited distribution within Taiwan due to a dramatic population decrease during the late 20th century. Prompted by some poisoning incidents of Black Kites and other farmland birds, we hypothesized that poisoning may be an underreported yet important threat. Thus, we created a citizen-science Facebook group in October 2014 in order to receive more information about possible poisoning incidents. By September 2016, we had received reports of 4753 dead birds in 213 separate poisoning incidents in agricultural areas. The types of fields most often associated with poisoning incidents were direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa), rice that was soon to be harvested, and red beans (Vigna angularis). We tested tissues from 29 dead small birds for pesticide residues. Twenty-eight birds contained carbofuran, and one bird contained terbufos, both highly toxic pesticides. Furthermore, of seven dead Black Kites tested from 2010 to 2016, four contained carbofuran, and three contained second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. After interviewing farmers and reviewing older agricultural literature, we concluded that most of these incidents represented intentional poisonings by farmers attempting to control avian pests and rats (mostly Bandicota indica and Rattus spp.). We suggest that the Black Kites were likely the victims of inadvertent secondary poisoning incidents. The dramatic decrease of the Black Kite in the 1980s coincided with the rapid increase in the area planted with direct-seeded rice and the widespread use of carbofuran and rodenticides. The recent decreased use of these pesticides due to restrictions has coincided with the recent slow recovery of the Black Kite population. Therefore we initiated public awareness campaigns, and the Taiwanese government has adjusted some pesticide-use policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence that bird odour can encode social information that can be used in chemical communication is growing, but is restricted to a few taxonomic groups. Among birds, diurnal raptors (i.e. birds from the Accipitriformes and Falconiformes order) have always been considered as mainly relying on their visual abilities. Although they seem to have a functional sense of smell, whether their odour can convey social information has yet to be determined. Combining gas‐chromatography‐mass‐spectrometry (GCMS) and microsatellite data, we tested whether chemical compounds from preen gland secretions can encode sex, age, individuality, seasonal differences and genetic relatedness in the gregarious accipitriform black kite Milvus migrans. While no differences in preen oil composition were found between age classes, an individual signature was detected. While a seasonal variation was found in both sexes, compounds differ between sexes in the non‐breeding season. Finally, a significant correlation between chemical proximity and genetic proximity was detected in male–male dyads and male–female dyads but not in female–female dyads. Our study provides the first evidence in raptors that preen secretion can convey information that may potentially be used in individual recognition, reproductive synchronization and inbreeding avoidance, and suggests that raptors may rely upon their olfactory abilities more than previously thought. This study opens promising avenues for further studies in raptor chemical communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black kites of the nominal subspecies Milvus migrans migrans breed in the Western Palearctic and in Central Asia, while the European population is relatively small. The birds winter mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Until 2000 winter observations of black kites were rare in Greece, and also within the tri-point border area ofAustria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. At that time regular wintering of black kites started there. These data and evidence from recent local literature as well as from a number of unpublished data obtained throughout European countries and reviewed in this paper corroborate the impression that numbers of black kites wintering in Europe and the whole Mediterranean area including Turkey are increasing. The reasons considered are climate warming in the area and some negative changes in sub-Saharan Africa in the traditional wintering grounds of black kites. Notes about the wintering of black/red kite hybrids are also added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Мы собрали образцы тканей около 550 особей чёрного коршуна 4-х подвидов из разных точек Евразии (включая страны Европы, Россию, Казахстан, Монголию, Пакистан и Индию), а также из Австралии. Используя данные по полиморфизму митохондриального гена cytochrome b (CytB), мы показали, что географическое распределение гаплотипов евразийских коршунов хорошо согласуется с данными фенотипического анализа и соответствует ареалам трёх подвидов: M. m. migrans, M. m. lineatus, M. m. govinda. Таким образом, можно утверждать, что полиморфизм CytB позволяет разделить эти подвиды.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of black kite, Milvus migrans, one of the most common diurnal raptor, was characterized using next generation sequencing. The whole genome size was 18,016 bp and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, a putative control region (CR), and a second control region (pseudo-CR). A frameshift mutation was found in the ND3 gene. Phylogenetic analysis illustrated monophyly of the subfamily Melieraxinae with high statistical support. The genetic resource obtained here will help to resolve taxonomic issues related to subspecies of M. migrans and will act as a starting point for conservation genetics.