The opportunistic raptor that uses fire to hunt its prey

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The black kite is not your typical bird of prey. Rather than relying solely on specialized hunting, this abundant raptor is a master scavenger and an opportunistic opportunist, known to use fire to flush out prey. This behavior has earned them the nickname 'firehawks' in certain parts of the world.

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized raptor that may be the most abundant species in the Accipitridae family. With global population estimates reaching up to 6.7 million individuals, these birds are widely distributed across Eurasia, Africa, Australasia, and Oceania. Unlike many of their diurnal relatives, black kites are highly opportunistic, frequently scavenging for food and even diving for meat held by humans in urban areas. These birds are easily identified by their distinctive forked tails and angled wings. They are also quite vocal, often emitting a shrill, whinnying call.

Their unique hunting strategies include a remarkable behavior observed in northern Australia: they pick up and drop burning twigs to spread wildfires, a tactic used to flush out prey. This has led to the name 'firehawks' in some circles. They are also known to swoop down to snatch fish, rodents, or even household refuse, a behavior that earned them the British military slang 'shite-hawk'.

The species exhibits significant regional variation. While temperate populations are often migratory, tropical populations tend to be resident. In India, the subspecies M. m. govinda is particularly abundant in densely populated urban centers. In these environments, the birds have become less fearful of humans, though their proximity can lead to injuries from their sharp talons. Genetic studies have also revealed complex relationships within the group, such as the potential for the yellow-billed African races to be classified as a separate species, M. aegyptius. In the Italian Alps, these raptors frequently construct their nests in tall trees or on steep cliffs near water. Furthermore, they may decorate their nesting sites with bright materials like white plastic to signal to other kites.

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