{"id":1260,"date":"2026-03-18T21:29:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T21:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/?p=1260"},"modified":"2026-04-07T18:13:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:13:39","slug":"the-black-kite-milvus-migrans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/blog\/2026\/03\/18\/the-black-kite-milvus-migrans\/","title":{"rendered":"The Black Kite (Milvus migrans)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f985; The Black Kite (<em>Milvus migrans<\/em>): The &#8220;Acrobat&#8221; of Greek Wetlands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f194; Identity and Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"978d7c\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #978d7c;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" src=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istockphoto-1439418788-1024x1024-2.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1295 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istockphoto-1439418788-1024x1024-2.avif 1024w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istockphoto-1439418788-1024x1024-2-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istockphoto-1439418788-1024x1024-2-768x512.avif 768w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A selective focus shot of a black kite perched on a branch with blurred background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Black Kite is a medium-sized raptor that stands out from a distance. Although often confused with a hawk, it is slightly larger and possesses its own distinct style:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Color:<\/strong> A deep brown body that contrasts with its lighter, silvery-grey head.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The &#8220;Trademark&#8221;:<\/strong> Its tail, which is slightly <strong>forked<\/strong>. It acts as a precision rudder during flight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legs:<\/strong> Bright yellow in color at all ages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f4dc; From Aesop to Olympus: A Centuries-Old History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Black Kite is no &#8220;newcomer&#8221; to Greece. Its relationship with our land dates back to antiquity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aesop\u2019s &#8220;Iktinos&#8221;:<\/strong> The ancient Greeks called it <em>Iktinos<\/em>. In Aesop\u2019s fables, it appears as a clever and agile character, showing that our ancestors observed it with great attention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Omen of Spring:<\/strong> For farmers of old, the return of the Black Kite from Africa was the &#8220;signal&#8221; to begin work in the fields.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x2708;&#xfe0f; The Art of Flight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"7b797a\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #7b797a;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"799\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" src=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-black-kite-7423883_1920-1-1024x799.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1296 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-black-kite-7423883_1920-1-1024x799.avif 1024w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-black-kite-7423883_1920-1-300x234.avif 300w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-black-kite-7423883_1920-1-768x599.avif 768w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-black-kite-7423883_1920-1-1536x1198.avif 1536w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-black-kite-7423883_1920-1.avif 1920w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You won&#8217;t see it tiring itself by constantly flapping its wings. It is a master <strong>glider<\/strong>. It exploits warm air currents and slides through the sky with its wings slightly bent at the elbows. It is one of the few raptors that enjoys company; especially in winter, they gather in large groups to roost or search for food together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/?ref=saved&amp;v=8711629058882297\">Videoport\u00e1l | Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/?ref=saved&amp;v=981290449760592\">Videoport\u00e1l | Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f374; Dietary Habits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Black Kite is not a &#8220;picky&#8221; eater. It is a clever <strong>opportunist<\/strong> that seizes every available chance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It hunts small mammals, reptiles, and fish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It functions as nature\u2019s &#8220;cleaner,&#8221; feeding on animal carcasses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It often approaches inhabited areas, slaughterhouses, or landfills in search of easy meals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Note:<\/strong> It has incredibly fast reflexes. As soon as one kite spots food, others in the area notice immediately and arrive for the &#8220;feast.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f3e0; Family and Reproduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nest:<\/strong> It builds its nest in trees, usually at a low height.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Offspring:<\/strong> It lays 2 to 3 eggs from April to June.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Voice:<\/strong> During the mating season, it becomes very vocal. Its cry somewhat resembles a gull&#8217;s, followed by a sound akin to a cackle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f3d4;&#xfe0f; Connection to Mount Olympus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"729299\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #729299;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" src=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istockphoto-2154166727-1024x1024-2.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1298 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istockphoto-2154166727-1024x1024-2.avif 1024w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istockphoto-2154166727-1024x1024-2-300x200.avif 300w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/istockphoto-2154166727-1024x1024-2-768x512.avif 768w\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">view of a black kite during a falconry show in France<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the Black Kite today nests mainly at lower altitudes and near wetlands (such as Lake Kerkini), <strong>Mount Olympus<\/strong> remains one of the most important passages and lookout points for the species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Migratory Station:<\/strong> During migration, Black Kites use the updrafts of Olympus to gain altitude and continue their journey. It is one of the spots where ornithologists regularly observe their passage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Former Distribution:<\/strong> In the past, when populations were larger, the Black Kite was frequently seen on the slopes of Olympus, as the mountain provided abundant food and resting spots.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f4cd; Where does it live in Greece?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it is very common in the rest of Europe, in our country, the Black Kite is <strong>rare and endangered<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Its &#8220;Strongholds&#8221;:<\/strong> Today it breeds mainly at <strong>Lake Kerkini<\/strong>, in the Evros region, and at Meteora.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Migration:<\/strong> It is a nomadic bird. Most leave in autumn for sub-Saharan Africa, though a few prefer to winter in Messolonghi or Northern Greece.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x26a0;&#xfe0f; The Dangers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Black Kite has one natural enemy, the <strong>Eurasian Eagle-owl<\/strong>, which often attacks its nests. However, the greatest danger is man: poisoned baits, poachers, and road accidents are constantly reducing its population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"636661\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #636661;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"579\" height=\"1024\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 579px) 100vw, 579px\" src=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_23-46-29-300-3-579x1024.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1276 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_23-46-29-300-3-579x1024.avif 579w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_23-46-29-300-3-170x300.avif 170w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_23-46-29-300-3-768x1359.avif 768w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_23-46-29-300-3-868x1536.avif 868w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_23-46-29-300-3.avif 904w\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x2696;&#xfe0f; The Bitter Truth: Culture vs. Reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here lies the great contradiction. We are a people who love to boast about our history and our connection to the &#8220;birthplace of civilization.&#8221; Yet, the way we treat our wildlife shows a different picture. It is truly ironic: in other European countries, the Black Kite is recovering and is actively protected. In Greece\u2014the land of Aesop who praised it\u2014the population is collapsing. <strong>Poisoned baits, poaching,<\/strong> and the destruction of its habitats prove that civilization is not just about ancient marbles, but also about respecting those who fly above them. A people that &#8220;guns down&#8221; its history and its nature likely has a long way to go before being called <strong>civilized<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"a19b96\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #a19b96;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"664\" height=\"995\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" src=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_21-25-08-664-1.avif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1299 not-transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_21-25-08-664-1.avif 664w, https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/viber_image_2026-03-18_21-25-08-664-1-200x300.avif 200w\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#x1f985; The Black Kite (Milvus migrans): The &#8220;Acrobat&#8221; of Greek Wetlands &#x1f194; Identity and Appearance The Black Kite is a medium-sized raptor that stands out from a distance. Although often confused with a hawk, it is slightly larger and possesses its own distinct style: &#x1f4dc; From Aesop to Olympus: A Centuries-Old History The Black Kite [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1275,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-item-post-english","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1260","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flora-fauna"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1260","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1260"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1260\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1311,"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1260\/revisions\/1311"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1260"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1260"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greekhiker.com\/hike\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1260"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}