In the last two years it has been sighted at least 18 times: it is recognizable for its characteristic "holy spirit" hovering flight, white and grey-blue plumage, and amber eyes.
The migration period is now behind us and the morning bird concert decreases considerably. However, it is still possible to make interesting observations in June. In recent years, for example, the rare white kite has appeared in increasing numbers in Switzerland, as documented by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in its annual report on the situation of Swiss birdlife. At first glance it could be mistaken for a seagull, were it not for its characteristic "holy spirit" hovering in search of mice or for its pose on top of trees: it is in fact the white kite. The white plumage below, blue-gray above and the amber eyes make it a superb sight. Although its name refers to its kite cousins, its size is smaller, comparable to that of a Kestrel. The white kite reproduces mainly in Africa and Asia. In Europe it reproduces only in the Iberian peninsula and in western France. First observed in Switzerland in 1990, its presence remained rare until 2010, with only seven reports. Since then the numbers have exploded: since 2014 it has been spotted every year in Switzerland. In the past two years, the white kite has been sighted at least 18 times in Switzerland. The expansion of the species in Spain and Portugal is explained by the fact that the white kite finds habitats similar to savannas with many mice. From there it is slowly spreading to the northwest. It does not nest in Switzerland yet, but it cannot be ruled out that it will also settle here. Whether it is a future breeder or a regular visitor, the white kite is a favorite of bird watchers as summer approaches.
© Mathias Schäf
