Description

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Context :

Recently, Black Kites, a species of predatory birds, have been observed nesting on poles (tall electric transmission towers) along the canal near Perumbakkam in Chennai.
This unusual nesting behaviour has attracted attention as it adapts to urban infrastructure, highlighting the relationship between wildlife and man-made structures.
Black Kites, usually migratory, have started staying in Chennai year-round, nesting and raising their young in the city.

About Black Kite

Scientific Name	*Milvus migrans*
Distribution	Tropical areas of Australasia, Eurasia, and Africa.
Common Name	Black Kite
Habitat	Urban and semi-urban areas, open fields, forests, wetlands
Flight Characteristics	Smooth, graceful glides with effortless changes in direction
Diet	Carnivorous, scavengers that feed on small animals and carrion
Migration Pattern	Migrates from western India to southern regions during monsoons
Notable Adaptations	Uses man-made structures like pylons for nesting in urban environments
Conservation Status	● IUCN – Least Concern. ● CITES – Appendix II. ● Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule-II

Comparison to Migratory Behavior

Globally, It migrates from Europe and northern Asia, and spends winters in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia.
In India, Black kites usually migrate from western India to Chennai to escape the southwest monsoon, but they living in Perumbakkam have adapted to urban life.
Now, These kites do not migrate, but instead, they use urban infrastructure – especially poles – to build nests and raise their young all year round.

Source:

The hindu

Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Black Kites (Milvus migrans) seen in Chennai, consider the following statements:

Black Kites are generally migratory and fly from northern India to southern areas during the monsoon season.
The recent nesting behaviour of Black Kites in urban areas, especially on electric poles, highlights their adaptation to the city environment.
Black Kites are considered critically endangered in India and are protected under the highest category of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

● Statement 1 is correct: Black Kites are migratory birds that generally migrate from northern India to southern areas during the monsoon season.

● Statement 2 is correct: Black kites have adapted to urban environments and are nesting on man-made structures such as electricity poles in Chennai.

● Statement 3 is incorrect: The black kite is listed as "least concern" on the IUCN Red List, not critically endangered, and is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, not the highest category.