Brahminy Kite (8/27)

This highly adaptable raptor or bird of prey is often sighted soaring through the skies in urban areas. It is sometimes mistaken for the White-Bellied Sea Eagle, but unlike its cousin the Brahminy Kite has distinct chestnut brown body and wings. Nesting on tall emergent trees, the adults usually raise two chicks per season. The bird is both opportunistic and kleptoparasitic, eating any small creatures and snatching food from other raptors. The old notes with the second-highest denomination of $1,000 featured a majestic Brahminy Kite.