Brahminy Kite, a bird of prey, is distinct from other kites with its characteristic white head and breast. It is usually seen flying over water bodies, be it lakes, rivers, or estuaries.
Brahminy Kite In-flight
It is a common bird when you look up. Circling over a huge area to spot its prey and being chased by crows when in their domain. Masters of the sky, their eye vision, and aerodynamics are amazing.
They are known for their amazing eyesight, and in-flight maneuverings to catch or even snatch prey. While resting on the tree branches Brahminy Kites can be seen sharing the space with black kites and crows.
It (Haliastur indus) is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands. They feed on dead fish and other prey. Adults have a reddish-brown body plumage contrasting with their white head and breast. That makes them easy to distinguish from the rest of the birds of prey. Primarily a scavenger bird, it feeds mainly on dead fish and crabs, especially in wetlands and marshlands.
Mandovi Estuary
This image was captured while the bird was scanning the Mandovi River estuary. From the heights of the heritage monument, Reis Magos Fort, Goa. Thus gaining the height required for a near-eye-level shot. As they say, while photographing birds, the clear-eye view makes all the difference. Happy to get this image with good reflections of an eye. And a decent depth of the field as well, while the bird is in flight. It is about the same size as the black kite.
Reis Magos Fort is a Portuguese time heritage monument by the Mandovi River estuary. At about 100 meters above sea level. It used to be the gateway to ships seeking to enter or birth by the Mandovi River basin. Read more about Reis Magos Fort.
Recommend you read the following travel blog on birding & bird photography.
That’s an amazing photo!
Beautiful shot.