Black shouldered kites are smallish raptors, and are fairly common resident birds. They can be seen usually sitting in a prominent position, like an electric line or a single tree, so that they have a ‘birds eye view’ of the ground below, and will fall down from above onto an unsuspecting rat or lizard. They are very attractive little birds, and its always a pleasure to see them hovering over the ground in anticipation of the kill they are about to make.