Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
An Old English name for the common kite, mentioned only in Dt. 14:13 (Heb.ra'ah), the Milvus ater or black kite. The Hebrew word does not occur in the parallel passage in Leviticus (Lev. 11:14, da'ah, rendered "vulture;" in R.V., "kite"). It was an unclean bird. The Hebrew name is from a root meaning "to see," "to look," thus designating a bird with a keen sight. The bird intended is probably the buzzard, of which there are three species found in Palestine.