Ajayraj Rathore, Meenakshi Mahur, Laxmi Jangir and Jaya Bhawnani
Abstract
Black kite (Milvus migrans) is the most adaptable raptor species belonging to Accipitridae family and the Accipitriformes order, capable of living in diverse habitats, including urban, rural, forest, grassland, wetland, and agricultural land as well as surrounding dump sites. This study analyzed population dynamics and habitat ecology of black kites in urban areas of Udaipur district of Rajasthan from April 2024 to February 2026 using the fixed-route point count method. A total 1330 individuals of black kites were counted along six selected study sites namely site A (Sector 3-Balicha-Savina- Sector 6), Site B (Shastri Circle to New Bhupalpura), Site C (Court circle to R.K. Circle), Site D (Udaipole to Sajjangarh road), Site E (University road to Sukher) and Site F (Sevasharm to Pratap Nagar). Among these, site A recorded the highest population of black kite (371 individuals), which was attributed to availability of abundant food sources from nearby meat shops, a proximate dump site, and a consistent water supply from Gorvadan Sagar Lake. Site D ranked second with 239 individuals, supported by urban features, water bodies and roosting trees. Site F was third most abundant site, with 228 black kite individuals, benefiting from urban habitats, railway tracks and road kills as food sources. Site B maintained a moderate population (189 individuals) associated with diverse land use, riverine habitats and large trees suitable for roosting and nesting. Site C, characterized by a densely populated urban environment with green spaces, had only 161 black kite individuals, whereas Site E exhibited the lowest population (142) due to industrial activity and a lack of green cover. Monthly variation in black kite population exhibited clear seasonal trends, with a higher number of black kite individuals observed in late autumn and winter months. Population peaked in October with 189 individuals followed by September (175), February (167), December (153), and January (152). These population trends indicate that black kites were more prevalent during these months, possibly due to their migratory behavior and favorable environmental conditions that increase their population in urban regions of Udaipur district.