This photograph of the Brahminy Kite, half-hidden in its nest, offers a glimpse into the daily life of one of Bangladesh’s most majestic raptors, underscoring the rich avian diversity and ecological importance of the region.

As it sits ensconced within its twiggy home, the Brahminy Kite remains a symbol of nature’s resilience and beauty, inviting us to explore and appreciate the natural world around us.

The Brahminy Kite, known for its distinctive white head and chest contrasted against a reddish-brown body, makes a striking figure as it peeks out from a nest of twigs on Baridhara UN road. This medium-sized bird of prey, part of the Accipitridae family—which includes eagles and harriers—is prevalent across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Easily identified by the vibrant contrast between its white plumage on the head and breast and the deep reddish-brown of its body, the Brahminy Kite adds a unique beauty to the landscapes it inhabits, primarily coastal and inland wetlands. A scavenger by nature, it primarily feeds on dead fish and crabs, but it also displays remarkable adaptability by occasionally hunting live prey like hares and bats. It has even been observed engaging in kleptoparasitism, stealing food from other birds, and capitalizing on dolphins herding fish to the surface.

The Braminy Kite also exhibits interesting behavioral traits; it is known for its communal roosting habits, with as many as 600 individuals gathering in a single location. Juveniles engage in playful behavior, such as dropping leaves and attempting to catch them in mid-air. Even when landing in water during fishing attempts, these kites are capable swimmers and can take off without much trouble, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.

This blend of distinctive features and intriguing behaviors makes the Brahminy Kite a fascinating subject for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike, highlighting the need to preserve such magnificent creatures and their habitats in Bangladesh.

Photographer: Pawankumar Tulshidas Badhe, an Indian diplomat based in Dhaka, has a diverse background in diplomacy, having had postings in Geneva and Vienna, and a special focus on human rights, disarmament, and press relations. His passion for wildlife photography and bird watching flourished during the COVID-19 lockdown. Badhe enjoys exploring nature with his wife, Kirti, and their son.