THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro), recently retrieved a juvenile Brahminy Kite in Zamboanga City.

Rosevirico Tan, DENR regional information officer, said Friday, July 16, that the Brahminy Kite was retrieved Sunday, July 11, in the village of Culianan.

The wildlife was spotted by Berna Fercol and Baby Lonia Barrios near their residence. They immediately informed the Cenro for proper action.

Tan said the Cenro personnel, upon evaluation, found the bird to be in good and healthy condition. The bird weighs 600 grams and has a wing span of 60 centimeters.

Tan said the wildlife is now under the custody of Cenro-Zamboanga City for temporary protection and further evaluation before its release back to its natural habitat.

The Brahminy Kite, with scientific name of Haliastur indus, is formerly known as the red-backed sea-eagle in Australia.

It is a medium-sized bird that are found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands, where they feed on dead fish and other prey. (SunStar Zamboanga)