First observation of the black-winged kite Elanus caeruleus in Slovakia

The details and circumstances of the first observation of the black-winged kite Elanus caeruleus in Slovakia are described in the article. An adult individual of the nominate subspecies of the black-winged kite, in the age of at least two years, was observed on August 1 5, 201 2 in the Žitavský luh Nature Reserve, SW Slovakia. Behavioural and ecological information pertaining to the observation are provided, including weather conditions prevailing in the region immediately before the observation day.