Genetic Relationships in Black Kites (Milvus migrans) from Northeast Asia, Japan, Taiwan, India and Australia: Does M. m. formosanus Exist?

Abstract

The range of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) includes vast territories in Eurasia, Africa and Australia. This raptor demonstrates unique ecological plasticity, inhabiting a variety of biotopes and readily taking the advantages of living close to humans. According to various sources, the Black Kite has from five to seven subspecies. Two of them inhabit in the Palearctic: the western part is occupied by the European Black Kite (M. m. migrans), and the eastern by the Black-Eared Kite (M. m. lineatus). The islands of Japan are also inhabited by M. m. lineatus, however, this population is rather isolated from the mainland and may be genetically different.

Keywords

• хищные птицы
• черный коршун
• milvus migrans