A few weeks ago as I was driving on a country rd between Strathalbyn and Goolwa ( for those who know the area ), I saw a largish black bird feeding on carrion in the middle of the road.Initially it looked like a Raven,so I didn't slow down as they always get off the road quickly. This bird was a little slow to move, but when it did I was fairly close,although I only saw it for a second.It was very dark when viwed from the rear,but as it took off , i could see that the wings were longer and narrower than a Raven and its underside was grey.Its tail was long and rounded and there was a light band underneath similar to a Black Cockatoo.As I realised that it wasn't a Raven,I was expecting it to be a Black Kite,but the tail and wings were all wrong.I am thinking immature Swamp Harrier,but not sure that they feed on carrion.Any thoughts ?
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Help with BOP identification (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter canonrock
- Start date
Azzy
Well-known member
My first suggestion was going to be Black Kite, however the rounded tail certainly rules that out 
Swamp Harrier seems like a good assumption, going by the light band in the area of the tail. Birds in backyards says that Swampies in NZ often feed on carrion, so I'd say it wouldn't be unlikely to see one do the same here. Need more opinions on the ID though
Swamp Harrier seems like a good assumption, going by the light band in the area of the tail. Birds in backyards says that Swampies in NZ often feed on carrion, so I'd say it wouldn't be unlikely to see one do the same here. Need more opinions on the ID though 
mr_birdman
No longer a Canon Snob.
How about a Black Falcon? I am thinking a Swamp Harrier is somewhat larger than a Raven and falcon wings are generally narrower than harrier wings. though the white bit's a bit off putting for a BF.
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Funny you should mention Black Falcon,as I had given that some consideration.I have never seen a Black Falcon,and know little about them.I have seen hundreds of Black Kites,having lived in NT,where they are as common as Silver Gulls at Victor Harbor.I have also seen dozens of Swamp Harriers.Although I only really got a good glimpse of this bird,I was left with the feeling that it was a bird that i have not seen before. What are the chances of a Black Falcon eating carrion on a road in the middle of the day near Finness in SA ?
fluffywren
Member
could be black falcon...i have read that blacks sometimes eat carrion...so you might have one there...any guess on the size?
fluffywren
Member
So, it didn't have fingers in the wings?
mr_birdman
No longer a Canon Snob.
A Black Kite would have the finger-like primaries. The BF would have thinner, more geometric, falcon wings I guess. I wish I saw it too, I'd tell you then for sure. But remember that a BF looks more black than a Black Kite. To me anyway and the Black Kite may have some yellow too around the face. Also the rounded tail is Black Falcon see here: http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Falco-subniger
The Black Kite has a forked tail, often call it a Fork-tailed Kite!
The Black Kite has a forked tail, often call it a Fork-tailed Kite!
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mr_birdman
No longer a Canon Snob.
Ah, too bad then. That'll teach ya for next time mate.
That'll teach ya for next time mate. Similar threads
