In the gentle spring of 2023, in the heart of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, a pair of Black-winged Kites (Elanus caeruleus) established a nesting site in the Anjar region. Their presence marked a significant moment for local birdwatchers and conservationists. The species, a small and elegant raptor distinguished by its pearl-grey plumage, black shoulder patches, and deep red eyes, is not a common breeder in the Levant. Yet here they were—thriving.
Documented under the AERC TAC (2003) checklist as part of the Western Palearctic avifauna, the Black-winged Kite’s range is generally expanding northward from Africa and the Indian subcontinent. According to Kemp et al. (2015), and the comprehensive Handbook of the Birds of Europe, the Middle East and Africa edited by Cramp and Simmons (1977–1994), this species has adapted remarkably well to semi-arid landscapes and open woodlands. It is known for its graceful hovering flight and sudden stoops on small mammals, traits that inspired awe among local observers.
After raising five healthy chicks in the spring, the pair returned in the autumn to breed once again—a rare behavior noted by the monitoring teams from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). The entire life cycle of these birds, from courtship to fledging, was documented through the lens of Shadi Saad, director of the Migratory Soaring Birds Monitoring Observatory at Hima Hammana. His photographs, taken in Anjar and Mansoura (Western and Central Bekaa), showcased a story of resilience and ecological significance.
But the story took a tragic turn.
In late autumn, the two adult kites and their young were found slaughtered—victims of illegal hunting. The culprits were two underage individuals, highlighting the grave issues of law enforcement failure and widespread indifference toward Lebanon’s fragile biodiversity. Despite the clear stipulations in Lebanon’s hunting law and penal code, poaching remains rampant. The European Red List of Birds (BirdLife International, 2015) classifies such threats as critical to bird conservation in the region.
Globally, the Black-winged Kite is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2019). Yet, local extinction events driven by habitat loss, unregulated hunting, and public apathy are increasingly jeopardizing regional populations. As highlighted by Iqbal (2016) in a study of bird trading in Southeast Asia, even common raptor species can face rapid declines if illegal activities persist unchecked.
The Middle East, particularly Lebanon, lies on one of the world’s most important flyways for migratory birds. According to Ramadan-Jaradi (2015), raptor migration through Lebanon and the surrounding regions has been intensely studied for decades, underscoring the critical role these birds play in regional ecosystems. Their loss is not only a blow to local biodiversity but also diminishes the global significance of the Eastern Mediterranean as a haven for migratory wildlife.
This tragedy is more than a story of two birds—it is a wake-up call. Enforcement of existing wildlife protection laws, community education, and investment in nature reserves like those maintained by SPNL are vital. Without them, the skies above Lebanon may grow silent, bereft of the elegant glide of the Black-winged Kite and countless other avian travelers.
Their story deserves not only remembrance but also action.
How You Can Help
By donating to the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site, you become an integral part of preserving Lebanon’s rich biodiversity and ensuring the survival of these majestic birds for generations to come.
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