Black Milan

Black Milan IUCN Status

Black Milan Size

Black Milan Incubation

Description

Predator but also scavenger or even detritivore

​The black kite is attracted to all sources of food. Kites are attracted to mown grasslands and ploughed agricultural land because the blade makes all terrestrial fauna accessible to them, particularly voles. In summer, they take advantage of massive swarms of insects such as winged ants and aquatic larvae. Fires make it easier for them to capture vertebrates and/or invertebrates fleeing the flames and smoke, and to spot the remains of animals killed by fire or asphyxiation. They are also found near rubbish dumps, slaughterhouses, fisheries and even around simple piles of household waste.

Conservation

A conservation status that varies across different regions of the world

​There was a rapid decline in the European population between the 1970s and 2000, mainly due to the consumption of prey poisoned or contaminated by various agricultural pesticides. Since then, the situation has improved. Counts in Gibraltar show an increase in the number of migrants. At the same time, new threats are emerging, such as the large-scale development of wind farms. A survey conducted in France in 2000 indicates a population of between 20,000 and 24,000 pairs. This represents around 8% of the European population, but more than 50% of the population in Western Europe. As a result, its conservation status is considered vulnerable in Europe, whereas it is of minor concern on a global scale.

Nevertheless, the black kite remains the most common bird of prey in many countries, particularly Japan, India and sub-Saharan Africa. It is currently considered to be globally unthreatened.

In France, current population trends seem to show an increase in the species in areas with large colonies (Auvergne, Rhône-Alpes, Aquitaine, etc.) and where riparian forests are in good condition, with its range expanding in the south of France. At the same time, some areas are currently experiencing a sharp decline in numbers (Lorraine, Champagne, Jura), without the reasons being clearly identified. The black kite has been fully protected on French territory since the ministerial decree of 17 April 1981 on birds protected throughout the country. It is listed in Annex I of the European Union's Birds Directive. It is therefore prohibited to kill, maim, capture or remove it, to intentionally disturb it or to stuff it, as well as to destroy or remove its eggs and nests and to destroy, alter or degrade its habitat.