The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Black kites come calling

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 02, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Black kites come calling

P. Oppili

"These birds co-exist well with human beings"

DEFENDERS OF THE POST: A flock of black or common kites sitting on a goal post at the University Union Grounds in Chetput on Monday. — Photo: S.R.Raghunathan

CHENNAI: Visitors to the University Union Grounds in Chetpet were amused to see a flock of raptors sitting on the goal post the other day.

They are the black or common kites, which normally hover above dumping yards or slaughterhouses.

Known scavengers, the black kites are adept at flying into a crowded place, swooping their prey and manoeuvring their way out sans any problem, says T. Murugavel, founder of Environmental Monitoring and Action Initiating.

Unlike the black-shouldered kites and the Brahmini kites, which were once found in large number in the city, the population of black kites has not been affected due to increased urbanisation, he says. This is mainly due to the adaptability of these birds. "The black kites co-exist well with the human beings."

It will be difficult to sight a black kite in a clean place. They are always found in a place where leftovers or garbage is dumped. They are not afraid of human beings.

During evening hours one can see them in a group, flying back to their roosting places. While returning they chase one another. This act helps the raptors to hone their acrobatic skills.

Crows are their main enemies. Whenever, these birds settle down on a tree in a residential locality the crows mob the raptor and attack them or try to drive the bird away from the place, Mr. Murugavel adds.

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