Brahminy Kites Haliastur indus were regularly recorded during a recent visit to New Britain, both in the area between Hoskins and Talasea (West New Britain Province) and between Rabaul and Keravat (East New Britain Province). At 17:30 on 28 September 1998, in fine, calm weather, a large flock of Brahminy Kites was seen flying towards Keravat golf course (04o20' S 152o00' E) from the north-east. The birds were gathering above a grove of Swamp Terminalis Terminalia brassii on the edge of the golf course. At first the Brahminy Kites soared at varying heights above the trees and surrounding area before coming into roost. Some dropped on folded wings, losing height rapidly before gaining a perch in the grove. Others flew beyond the roost and then returned at tree height. The Swamp Terminalis in the grove were all c. 30 m tall. When first seen the flock of Brahminy Kites numbered 86 birds. In the next 30 minutes to 18:00 a further 35 kites flew in from the NE making a minimum of 121 birds in the roost. All birds observed were adults and no other species, of birds of prey or other families were noted.
In cloudier conditions on 12 October 1998 the Brahminy Kites approached the roost on a much lower flight path than on the earlier observation and from two directions. Between 17:00 and 17:30, 210 Brahminy Kites arrived at the roost and were joined by a further 110 between 17:30 and 17:50 giving a minimum of 320 birds in the roost. (R. Prior pers obs).
This roost is not a recent occurrence having been present for at least 12 months (R. Prior pers. obs.). Communal roosting of Brahminy Kite does not seem to have been recorded elsewhere in PNG (Coates 1985) and there is only one record from Australia (Gifford 1991). Communal roosting has been recorded where Brahminy Kites are numerous e.g. in southern India (Brown & Amadon 1968) and in Pakistan (Roberts 1991).
Brown, L. and D.Amadon. 1968. Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World. Volume 1. Country Life Books.
Coates, B.J. 1985. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 1. Dove.
Gifford, C. 1991. A’asian Raptor Assoc News 12:27.
Roberts, T.J. 1991. Birds of Pakistan. Oxford.
In cloudier conditions on 12 October 1998 the Brahminy Kites approached the roost on a much lower flight path than on the earlier observation and from two directions. Between 17:00 and 17:30, 210 Brahminy Kites arrived at the roost and were joined by a further 110 between 17:30 and 17:50 giving a minimum of 320 birds in the roost. (R. Prior pers obs).
This roost is not a recent occurrence having been present for at least 12 months (R. Prior pers. obs.). Communal roosting of Brahminy Kite does not seem to have been recorded elsewhere in PNG (Coates 1985) and there is only one record from Australia (Gifford 1991). Communal roosting has been recorded where Brahminy Kites are numerous e.g. in southern India (Brown & Amadon 1968) and in Pakistan (Roberts 1991).
Brown, L. and D.Amadon. 1968. Eagles, Hawks and Falcons of the World. Volume 1. Country Life Books.
Coates, B.J. 1985. Birds of Papua New Guinea, Volume 1. Dove.
Gifford, C. 1991. A’asian Raptor Assoc News 12:27.
Roberts, T.J. 1991. Birds of Pakistan. Oxford.
Note submitted to Muruk. Jointly authored with Bob Prior.
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