# Brahminy Kite

> Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus). The brahminy kite is an accipitrid raptor often associated with coastal landscapes; its pale head and breast contrast with a reddish-brown body.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/haliastur-indus/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/haliastur-indus/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Brahminy Kite (*Haliastur indus*) is a bird in the family Accipitridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara. Diet: predator and scavenger (fish, insects, carrion); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Haliastur indus* |
| Indonesian name | Elang bondol |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Observation records | Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara |
| Taxonomic group | Accipitriformes |
| GBIF records | 8,958 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2480437) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 179 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator and scavenger (fish, insects, carrion) · [BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards](https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Haliastur-indus) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |

## What is the Brahminy Kite?

Brahminy Kite refers to Haliastur indus, in the genus Haliastur, family Accipitridae, and order Accipitriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2480437)

## What is known about the Brahminy Kite?

The brahminy kite is an accipitrid raptor often associated with coastal landscapes; its pale head and breast contrast with a reddish-brown body.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haliastur%20indus)

## How many Indonesian records name the Brahminy Kite?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 8,958 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2480437&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2480437&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Brahminy Kite?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Brahminy Kite with White-bellied Sea Eagle, Common Sandpiper, Olive-backed Tailorbird. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Brahminy Kite

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | *Haliastur* |
| Species | *Haliastur indus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Brahminy Kite

### What is the scientific name of the Brahminy Kite?

The scientific name of the Brahminy Kite is *Haliastur indus*, in the family Accipitridae and the order Accipitriformes. In Indonesian it is called Elang bondol.

### What kind of animal is the Brahminy Kite?

The Brahminy Kite is a bird in the family Accipitridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator and scavenger (fish, insects, carrion).

### Where does the Brahminy Kite live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Brahminy Kite summarised in this guide mainly come from Papua, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Brahminy Kite eat?

The Brahminy Kite is a predator and scavenger (fish, insects, carrion). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards](https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Haliastur-indus).

### How does the Brahminy Kite reproduce?

The Brahminy Kite reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is the Brahminy Kite nocturnal?

The cited source records the Brahminy Kite as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Brahminy Kite?

Scientific classification of the Brahminy Kite: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Accipitriformes, family Accipitridae, genus *Haliastur*, species *Haliastur indus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Brahminy Kite endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Brahminy Kite is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2480437), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Brahminy Kite protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the Brahminy Kite protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The Brahminy Kite (*Haliastur indus*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 179).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the Brahminy Kite be kept as a pet?

No. Because the Brahminy Kite is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2480437)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2480437&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/5406)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haliastur%20indus)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards](https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Haliastur-indus)
7. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
8. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [White-bellied Sea Eagle](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/haliaeetus-leucogaster/)
- [Common Sandpiper](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/actitis-hypoleucos/)
- [Olive-backed Tailorbird](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/orthotomus-sepium/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Brahminy Kite. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/haliastur-indus/