Bird of prey spooks locals in Ang Thong with low swoops

A Brahminy kite has caused panic in a community in Ang Thong province after it began swooping at residents in broad daylight, raising questions about where the bird came from.

The sightings were reported by villagers in Moo 11, Sawaeng Ha subdistrict of Sawaeng Ha district. Residents said the bird began flying low over the neighbourhood roughly a week ago, frequently swooping close to people’s heads and clawing at hats before quickly flying away.

In one incident, a child was startled while playing outside and was nearly hurt after the bird swooped past unexpectedly, reported CH7 News.

Footage recorded by locals shows a single bird flying over homes and open areas. Based on its reddish-brown body feathers, hooked beak, and white head, the bird is believed to be a Brahminy kite, a medium-sized bird of prey commonly found near wetlands, mangroves, rivers, and canals across Thailand, where food sources such as fish and small reptiles are abundant.

However, locals say this is the first time they have seen such a bird in the area. Some speculate that it may have become separated from its group during migration or possibly escaped captivity. Brahminy kites are native to Thailand and are protected under Thai wildlife law.

They cannot be kept as pets unless they are an imported species with a valid permit issued by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

As of now, residents say they remain on edge and are cautious when leaving home, unsure when or where the bird might strike next.

In other bird news, the Thai government has highlighted the perceived advantages of removing the red-whiskered bulbul, or nok krong hua juk, from the list of protected wildlife species to bolster both conservation efforts and economic growth, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Minister.