Breeding of Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus in Fars Province, Iran Hypocolius ampelinus and Common Babbler Turdoides caudatus in Khuzestan, southwestern Iran

The first breeding attempt of the Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus in Fars Province, Iran, was recorded at Darab in June 2011, and three active nests were found in July 2012. Analysis of 74 pellets collected around the nests indicated that House Mouse Mus musculus and Steppe Field Mouse Apodemus cf witherbyi contributed 59.4% and 24.3% of the diet, respectively. The adult kites were absent for an average of 49.9 minutes (N=8) between visits to the nests. Threats to the kites are discussed and some conservation measures are proposed to encourage better protection of the breeding Black-winged Kites in the region. According to published records and a number of unpublished records, it can be concluded that a major expansion in the breeding range of the Black-winged Kite is occurring in many parts of southern Iran.