Small white hawk whoose wings are grey with black shoulder patches. Eyes are red with a black marking which runs from front to back over the eye. Seen from below the bird is white with grey and black markings from the middle to the end of the wing. It is frequently seen perching on dead trees or hovering over grasslands.

One of two small species of raptor which are frequently seen hovering over open grassy areas searching for prey, the other being the Nankeen Kestrel. Once prey is spotted the kite will drop down to catch it.

A small lark-like pipit, a little larger than a sparrow but slender with long legs, wings and tail. The tail has a broad white band on either side which is noticeable as it flies away from you. This trait is shared with the very similar European Songlark and the smaller, sparrow-like Singing Bushlark. The European Songlark was a crest on its head which is frequently raised. The Pipit has a white chin while the Songlark has a streaky chin.