#BRAHMINY KITE SERIES#

It was featured on the old Singapore $10,000 bird series banknote. It has a wide geographic distribution from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to Australia.

It nests on tall trees such as the Casuarina as well as man-made structures like transmission towers. You can spot the White-bellied Sea Eagle soaring in coastal areas and over large water bodies like reservoirs. They often perch high in a tree or soar over waterways such as Jurong Lake alone or in pairs. They form monogamous pairs that remain together until one bird dies, after which the remaining bird seeks a new mate. It primarily feeds on fish and sea snakes, which are snatched from the water’s surface with the aid of its large talons. These majestic creatures are common and hard to miss while in the air, sporting a wedge-shaped tail with white head and underparts and dark grey upperwings. They are Singapore’s largest resident raptor with an impressive wingspan. White-bellied Sea Eagle Photo credit: Ong Chwee Sia The Malaysian island Langkawi, which means reddish brown eagle, was named after this kite.

It is widespread in the skies of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and even Australia.īrahminy Kites have been known to perch on the Lone Tree in the Grasslands of Jurong Lake Gardens. The Brahminy Kite is commonly found in our mangroves, forests, parks and urban areas. They are often seen soaring in the air and occasionally diving for food. They are primarily scavengers but also prey on a variety of small animals. Compared to eagles, kites weigh less, as well as have smaller heads and narrower wings. It is easily identified by the chestnut brown body and white head and breast of the adult. This common, medium-sized raptor is often known as the “Singapore bald eagle”.

Brahminy Kite Photo credit: Loke Peng Fai

Brahminy kite