Size: 44-66cm (wingspan: 120-153cm)

Description: most likely to be seen in flight, soaring high above the city, though sometimes seen perched on trees or telegraph poles. Mostly reddish-brown colour with lighter under-tail and lighter and darker patches on wings. Tail is only very slightly forked. Bill is usually black and downward pointing. Sexes similar though female usually larger. Juvenile paler with more obvious markings. Very common throughout Delhi; hundreds at a time can be seen, particularly above landfill sites.

Diet: opportunistic and adaptable, they feed on a wide variety of animal remains and will also catch live prey, though in the city will mostly scavenge.

Song: noisy, emits a high-pitched “kweeeeeeee”.

Breeds: December-April.