Double-toothed Kite

This is the Double-toothed Kite; a small bird of prey.

The Double-toothed Kite (Harpagus bidentatus) has been seen several times near the river of Kabalebo, River Cabin or the airstrip. All were sitting on visible spots high in a tree or mid level. A couple of times I even saw a young one. When they are still young and in their learning process they are usually not yet aware of their surroundings so it was also easy to approach them a bit closer.

Young birds of prey look quite different in comparison with the adults so you have to look at little things to see if you have the right young bird in front of your lens. 

The young Double-toothed Kite has an interesting belly to show. Half way, the brown streaks turn into creamy streaks (lighter). But most important to notice is the black mid-line on their throat. 

Double-toothed Kites are small (puffy looking) bird of preys. They can grow till a length of 37 cm. They are quiet hunters that like to sit either near the river (scanning for their next meal) or inside the forest most of the time. It is known that the Double-toothed Kite follows groups of monkeys during their travel. These monkeys will usually disturb some insects or lizards along the way and that is where the Kite will strike. 

Here is a full grown Double-toothed Kite while perched near the river. 

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