Black Kite

 

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

A visit to the Dos Pinos (Los Llanos de Aridane) reservoir this morning led to the discovery of this migrant Black Kite (Milvus migrans), quietly perched on the upper rim, among the 30 or so Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea).

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

The visiting raptor was soon forced off the ground, following harrassment from resident Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis). After circling over to the other side of the reservoir, the kite simply returned to its initial position and continued preening.

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

During my stay, which lasted about an hour, the bird unfortunately never came close enough for good photographs, finally leaving the site at about 12:30.

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)

The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a passage migrant to the Canaries (all islands), where on very rare occasions it has wintered (Tenerife), or attempted to breed (Gran Canaria). ["Field Guide to the Birds of Macaronesia", Lynx Edicions, 2011].

As can be appreciated from the images posted here, this looks like a juvenile bird. Amongst other indicators, the iris is dark rather then yellow, the breast shows heavy streaking, and the upperwing coverts have pale tips.

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)