Breeding and diet of a pair of square-tailed kites 'Lophoictinia isura' on the mid-north coast of New South Wales

Abstract

The diet and breeding of a pair of Square-tailed Kites 'Lophoictinia isura' were studied at one nest on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, in the spring and early summer of 2001, by direct observation and by analysis of pellets and prey remains. The nest was in a tall Blackbutt 'Eucalyptus pilularis' on the edge of forest near a town. The nestling period occupied early October to early December, with fledging of one young by mid December. Brood reduction and cannibalism of the smaller sibling, almost halfway through the nestling phase, were associated with apparent food shortage. The diet consisted mostly of nestling birds, but included two Eastern Rosellas 'Platycercus eximius', a Common Ringtail Possum 'Pseudocheirus peregrinus' and a reptile. Nestling growth and development, and some behavioural observations, are described.