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<p>The black kite (<i>Milvus migrans</i>) is a facultative soaring raptor that migrates across west, east and Central Mediterranean. This study investigates the visible spring migration of black kites through the Central Mediterranean, using a multisite approach, with observations conducted at Ustica and Panarea islands (Tyrrhenian Sea) and at two watchpoints along the Peloritani Mountains (Sicily, Strait of Messina). Over two years (2014 and 2015), systematic counts were performed to assess spring migration patterns in relation to topography and regional wind conditions. Results indicate that black kites tend to pass lower than high mountain peaks exceeding 1000&#xa0;m when relying on land-based thermals, likely to maximize migration speed. Moreover, wind conditions played a crucial role in route selection. Under strong southeasterly winds over the Channel of Sicily, black kites were drifted northward and took direct sea crossings toward continental Italy, minimizing travel time and passing over Ustica. When southeasterly winds prevail over the Channel of Sicily but northerly winds dominate over the Tyrrhenian Sea, birds avoided long sea crossings following the northern Sicilian mainland and passing over Panarea the following day. In the absence of favorable southerly winds over the Channel of Sicily, black kites concentrated at the Strait of Messina the following day, using this land-based corridor to reach their breeding areas.</p>

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Factors affecting spring migration strategy of black kites across the Central Mediterranean

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月7日

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  • Nicolantonio Agostini,
  • Michele Cento,
  • Marco Gustin,
  • Gianpasquale Chiatante

摘要

The black kite (Milvus migrans) is a facultative soaring raptor that migrates across west, east and Central Mediterranean. This study investigates the visible spring migration of black kites through the Central Mediterranean, using a multisite approach, with observations conducted at Ustica and Panarea islands (Tyrrhenian Sea) and at two watchpoints along the Peloritani Mountains (Sicily, Strait of Messina). Over two years (2014 and 2015), systematic counts were performed to assess spring migration patterns in relation to topography and regional wind conditions. Results indicate that black kites tend to pass lower than high mountain peaks exceeding 1000 m when relying on land-based thermals, likely to maximize migration speed. Moreover, wind conditions played a crucial role in route selection. Under strong southeasterly winds over the Channel of Sicily, black kites were drifted northward and took direct sea crossings toward continental Italy, minimizing travel time and passing over Ustica. When southeasterly winds prevail over the Channel of Sicily but northerly winds dominate over the Tyrrhenian Sea, birds avoided long sea crossings following the northern Sicilian mainland and passing over Panarea the following day. In the absence of favorable southerly winds over the Channel of Sicily, black kites concentrated at the Strait of Messina the following day, using this land-based corridor to reach their breeding areas.