Juvenile Brahminy kite, also known as a Red-backed Sea-eagle perched on a tree stump.

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Adult birds have a chestnut plumage, white head and breast, and black wing tips. Known as Elang Bondol in Indonesia, the Brahminy Kite is the official mascot of Jakarta, and considered as the contemporary representation of the mythical Garuda. In Malaysia, the island of Langkawi is named after the bird ('kawi' denoting an ochre-like stone used to decorate pottery, and a reference to the bird's primary plumage colour). In Bangladesh it is known as Shonkho Chil. It is believed that their name Brahminy results from their association with the Indian God Vishnu. To the Iban of Malaysia it is the Bird-God of War. The Brahminy Kite's presence is an omen to guide them in major decisions such on warfare and house building.

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Size: 3466px × 5200px
Location: India
Photo credit: © Brian Perry / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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