Designed by Paul Smith 2006. This website is copyrighted by law.
Material contained herewith may not be used without the prior written permission of FAUNA Paraguay.
Material on this page was provided by Paul Smith, Hemme Batjes, Arne Lesterhuis, Clyde Morris and Teatske Nieuborg and is used with their permission.
PLUMBEOUS KITE Ictinia plumbea
In the Plumbeous Kite evolution has designed a piece of machinery to put the aeronautics industry to shame. With its long, thin wings and forked tail, the bird is a master of the air, soaring high on thermals and displaying a grace and skill that few other species can match. It feeds mainly on insects which it catches, you guessed it, mainly on the wing.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
FIGURE 1 - Adult, Estancia Laguna Blanca, Departamento San Pedro (Hemme Batjes November 2005).
FIGURE 2 - Adult, Aguara Ñu, Mbaracayú Forest Reserve, Departamento Canindeyú (Paul Smith September 2006).
FIGURE 3 - Adult, Itabó Itaipú Reserve, Departamento Alto Paraná (Clyde Morris November 2008).
FIGURE 4 - Adult with juvenile (left), location unknown (Arne Lesterhuis undated).
FIGURE 5 - Juvenile begging from adult, Yacyreta, Departamento Misiones (Teatske Nieuborg 2007).
FIGURE 6 - Adult in flight, Lagunita, Mbaracayú Forest Reserve, Departamento Canindeyú (Paul Smith October 2008).
VIDEO - Same individual as Fig 2 (Paul Smith September 2006).
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