Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus (Desfontaines, 1789)
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STATUS
Africa and the Orient. Polytypic.
OVERVIEW
Species not admitted nationally (BOU 1971).
NOT PROVEN
0). 1956 Essex Bradwell, 4th March.
G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1956: 15).
[G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1956: 15].
History G. A. Pyman (1956) in the Essex Bird Report, Vol. VII. p. 15, says: 'Bradwell: an unfamiliar raptor flew N, past the trap thicket on March 4th and was described by the observers (K.G.F. and G.A.G.) as follows: size as Black-headed Gull, in full sunlight plumage appeared white all over save for conspicuous black patches on wings close to body, wings sharply arched, flight rapid. Also seen (independently) by W. Linnett who afterwards described the bird as a white hawk with long, falcon-like wings, longish tail and black "shoulders". The description fits only the Black-winged Kite among European hawks but we do not consider that the details are sufficient to constitute the first British record of this species. The Editors of British Birds share this view but feel that it should be treated as a "probable". Prior to the date of observation the weather in the British Is. had been abnormally warm for the time of year and an anticyclone had been centred to the N.E. of the Azores with a ridge of high pressure extending over the Iberian peninsula where this species occurs.'
Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.
