Haliastur

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Haliastur
Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus)
Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitridae
Genus: Haliastur
Selby, 1840
Species

H. indus
H. sphenurus

Haliastur is a genus of medium-sized diurnal birds of prey. The group consists of two species of kite which form part of the subfamily Milvinae; some authorities place these species in the genus Milvus,[1] despite clear differences in behaviour, voice and plumage.[2]

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)
Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

[edit] Species list

Both of the species found in this genus are large for kites; both are relatively small-headed and have rounded tail tips.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Slater, Peter; Pat Slater, Raoul Slater (1986). The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds. Sydney: Reed New Holland. ISBN 1877069000. 
  2. ^ (1994) in Josep del Hoyo: Handbook of the Birds of the World, volume 2, Andrew Elliott, Jordi Sargatal, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 8487334156. 
  3. ^ Ferguson-Lees, James; David A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. London: Christopher Helm. ISBN 0713680261. 
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