American Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
Kites
Prepared by
Ann Walton
Length: 20-25 inches
Wingspan: 47-54 inches
Weight: 325-500 grams
The long pointed wings and deeply forked tail make this bird unmistakable. Males and females are similar in coloration. Adults are blackish above with head, neck, underbody, and underwing coverts pure white. Flight feathers and tail are black. Iris dark brown to red. Immatures are similar to adults except for a shorter tail and narrow white tips on flight feathers and tail.
Distribution
Southeast U.S. through Central America to northeast Argentina
Habitat
Over forests in tropical and subtropical regions, often preferring marshy areas.
Feeding
Hunts by drifting gracefully just above treetops, or low over ground, with outstretched wings and tail in a constant balancing motion. Prey is mostly insects; also some birds and fruit snatched while in flight. Will also drop down on lizards and snakes.
Breeding
Mid-March in Florida; January – June farther south. Colonial nesters. Twig nest, lined with moss, built on smaller branches at top of trees to prevent mammal predation (although larger raptors and strong winds can easily destroy these precariously placed nests). Clutch size is 1-2 eggs.
Movements
Migratory. Fall migration late July – early August; spring migration February – early March.
Status
Not globally threatened. Fairly common over entire range.