Bird species not typical for Azerbaijan found in Nakhchivan

The black-shouldered kite has bluish-blue back and red eyes, which are especially noticeable when the bird soars in the air.

This bird species was discovered in Azerbaijan as a result of studies on the left-coastal plain territory of the lower part of the Araz reservoir.

Not typical for Azerbaijani fauna, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, these birds inhabit open landscapes, savannas, and woodlands of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, as well as in southern Europe.

Elanus caeruleus, or the black-shouldered kite, is a small daytime predator of the hawk family. Their wingspan is about 75 cm. Their bodies are 28 to 35 cm long, and they weigh 220 to 250 grams.

The Autonomous Republic plans to study the lifestyle and biological and environmental characteristics of the black-shouldered kites.