Knowra Elaninae Elaninae Elaninae is a subfamily of small hawks that includes kites such as the black-winged kite and white-tailed kite. Its members are often pale-colored and adapted to hunting small vertebrates.
Accipitridae : Accipitridae is the bird family comprising hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. Elaninae is classified within this broad family of diurnal birds of prey.
Black-winged kite : The black-winged kite is a small, pale raptor with dark shoulder patches and a hovering hunting style. It is a widespread, characteristic member of Elaninae.
Hovering : Hovering is flight that holds an animal nearly stationary relative to the ground or another reference point. Several Elaninae species hover to inspect open ground for prey.
Elanus : Elanus is a genus of small kites that includes the black-winged kite and white-tailed kite. Several familiar Elaninae species belong to this genus.
Accipitridae systematics : Accipitridae systematics is the study of evolutionary relationships and classification within the hawk family. Molecular studies can revise where Elaninae sits among hawks.
Kite (bird) : A kite is a bird of prey, usually in the hawk family, with long wings and a graceful flight. The subfamily contains several species commonly called kites.
White-tailed kite : The white-tailed kite is a pale North and South American raptor that hunts while hovering over open country. It represents the New World kites included in the subfamily.
Kleptoparasitism : Kleptoparasitism is the acquisition of food by taking it from another animal. Some kites supplement hunting by stealing prey from other birds.
Milvinae : Milvinae is a subfamily of hawks that includes red kites and black kites. These kites are close taxonomic neighbors but belong to a different hawk subfamily.
Molecular phylogenetics : Molecular phylogenetics infers evolutionary relationships by comparing DNA, RNA, or protein sequences. Genetic evidence helps test whether traditional kite groupings reflect shared ancestry.
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