HFCheung

I have been writing on Black Kite id.  Here are my observations on how to age Black Kites in HK.  Is this true?  I think the Black Kite group or some experts may be able to tell me more about this.  Thanks.

1. Adults have plainer body (no whitish streaks on neck and body).  Completely mature bird have whitish forehead and throat, and paler iris.  See the photo in the following link.  
http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/view ... &extra=page%3D2

2. Juveniles have whitish streaks on neck and body, see the following photo which is clearly a juvenile.
http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/view ... &extra=page%3D1

3. Immature (at least 1st summer birds) still have white streaks on neck.

4. Subadults have pale fringes to coverts and scapulars more obvious than adults.

HF Cheung

HFCheung

I think many young birds start to breed before they have full adult plumage.  I believe they are called sub-adults.  Immatures are those that have not started breeding.  Is that right?
The problem with "2nd year" or "3rd year" is that they are hard to pinpoint.  Immature is a bit blur but I think quite useful.

How about subspecies?  Anyone doubt that the HK birds are subspecies "lineatus"?  It does not seem to fit the description on Handbook of the Birds of the World.

[ Last edited by HFCheung at 2/08/2014 20:41 ]