Image via Macaulay Library
Letter-winged Kite
- Scientific name
- Elanus scriptus
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Conservation status
- Near threatened
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Letter-winged Kite, scientifically known as Elanus scriptus, is a rare raptor endemic to the arid interior regions of Australia. Unlike its more common relative, the Black-shouldered Kite, this species is strictly nocturnal or crepuscular, a trait that sets it apart from almost all other diurnal birds of prey. Its distinct common name refers to the bold, dark 'W' or 'M' shaped pattern visible on the underside of its wings during flight, a marking that serves as a diagnostic feature for identification in the field.
The species was first formally described by John Gould in 1842, based on specimens collected by John Gilbert. Throughout its history, the bird has remained a subject of fascination due to its nomadic habits and reliance on irruptions of long-haired rats, which dictate its breeding success and distribution. Because of its specialized nocturnal hunting behavior and unpredictable movements, it remains one of the more elusive and poorly understood raptors in the Australian landscape, primarily documented through sporadic sightings in remote desert habitats.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Letter-winged Kite
Letter-winged Kite is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Letter-winged Kite on collecto.rs?
Letter-winged Kite doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Letter-winged Kite?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Letter-winged Kite catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Letter-winged Kite is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
