A spectacular long-deeply-forked-tailed raptor — boldly white with black wings and tail. Catches insects in flight and drinks by skimming water surfaces. Most graceful North American raptor.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The swallow-tailed kite is a pernine raptor which breeds from the southeastern United States to eastern Peru and northern Argentina. It is the only species in the genus Elanoides. Most North and Central American breeders winter in South America where the species is resident year round.
Source: Wikipedia — Swallow-tailed kite Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Striking black-and-white raptor with long pointed wings and a very long, deeply forked black tail; snow-white head and underparts, black back and wings.
Similar species. No other North American raptor has the long forked tail and crisp black-and-white pattern; unmistakable.
Voice. A high, thin, whistled 'klee-klee-klee'; often silent while soaring.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects depending on species.
Behavior. One of the most graceful raptors in flight; soars over southern swamps and pinewoods catching insects and small animals on the wing and even drinking by skimming water.
§ Range
Southeastern US in summer; winters in South America
§ Habitat
Open pine and bottomland forests near water
§ Threats
Mature forest loss, climate-driven habitat shifts, pesticide-driven insect decline.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the swallow-tailed kite is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support mature bottomland forest protection. Maintain pine and riparian forests.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Swallow-tailed kite
- www.allaboutbirds.org — authoritative profile of Elanoides forficatus
- IUCN Red List — search for Elanoides forficatus
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Elanoides forficatus
§ Sources cited
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — All About Birds
- National Audubon Society
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List
