Haliastur sphenurus; Print; The whistling kite (Haliastur sphenurus) is a medium-sized diurnal raptor found throughout Australia (including coastal islands); New Caledonia and much of New Guinea (excluding the central mountains and the northwest). Also called the whistling eagle or whistling hawk; it is named for its loud whistling call; which it often gives in flight. Some authorities put this species in the genus Milvus; despite marked differences in behaviour; voice and plumage between this species and other members of that genus.; 1825-1834