BREEDING OBSERVATIONS OF THE LETTER-WINGED KITE (ELANUS SCRIPTUS) IN CENTRAL-WESTERN QUEENSLAND

摘要

Four pairs of Letter-winged Kites (E/anus scriptus) were found in the early stages of breeding (nest building to incubation) in late March 2010, near Boulia in western Queensland. The event occurred after drought-breaking rains in summer 2009-2010, when rats (apparently Rattus villosissimus) were plaguing. Four nests were 6-14 m (mean 9.5 m) above ground in coolibahs {Eucalyptus coolabah), dispersed along 440 m of a dry watercourse. A fifth pair of kites, possibly a pre-breeding pair, was also found. Some behavioural observations (e.g. aerial display, copulation, nest building, sex roles and nest defence) are presented.