Black Shouldered Kite

Elanus caeruleus 31-35cm

Karunthol Parunthu in Tamil (கருந்தோள் பருந்து)

Widespread resident. Small size. Grey and white with black shoulders. Flight buoyant, with much hovering. Juvenile has brownish-grey upperparts with pale fringes, with less distinct shoulder patch. Grassland with cultivation and open scrub.