What is Haliastur indus?
[[Image:Elang_bondol_Haliastur_indus_Bandung_Zoo_4.jpg|thumb|Plumage]] The '''Brahminy kite''' (''Haliastur indus''), is a medium-sized [[bird of prey]] in the family [[Accipitridae]], which also includes many other diurnal [[Bird of prey|raptors]], such as [[eagle]]s, [[buzzard]]s, and [[harrier (bird)|harriers]]. They are found in the [[Indian subcontinent]], [[Southeast Asia]], and [[Australasia]]. They are found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands, where they feed on dead fish and other prey. Adults have a reddish-brown body plumage contrasting with their white head and breast which make them easy to distinguish from other birds of prey. The [[Indian Air Force]] is its symbol. ==In culture== [[Image:Brahminy Kites in flight .jpg|thumb|Brahminy kites in flight.]] {{further information|Garuda}} Known as '''elang bondol''' in [[Indonesian language|Indonesia]], the brahminy kite is the official mascot of [[Jakarta]]. In Hinduism, it is considered as the contemporary representation of [[Garuda]], the sacred bird of [[Vishnu]]. 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). For the Ibans of the Upper Rajang, Sarawak, Borneo, a brahminy kite is believed to be the manifestation of Singalang Burung when he comes down to earth. Singalang Burung is the ultimate deity of incomparable qualities and superior abilities in every dimension. He is also known as the god of war.<ref>Sutlive & Sutlive (eds.), 2001, The Encyclopaedia of Iban Studies, Tun Jugah Foundation, volume 2, p. 938</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} [[Category:National symbols of India]] [[Category:Birds of Asia]] [[Category:Accipitriformes]]