The Black Kite is a widespread migratory bird. Gould knew it had a large range for in 1867 he received a specimen from Northumberland, and shortly afterwards another from northern Australia. In Britain it has been recorded on only a few occasions, but it is conceivable that the fifteenth century scavenging kites of London were a black, not red species.
The Black Kite is depicted about three-quarters of the natural size.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeds in most of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
European populations winter in Africa south of the Sahara.
Rare vagrant in Britain; 75 records 1958-85