White-tailed Kite

The White-tailed Kite, Elanus leucurus, presents a gull-like appearance with its predominantly white plumage, yet its flight and form are reminiscent of a falcon. This mid-sized raptor is characterized by black wingtips and shoulders, a rounded tail, and elongated wings and tail. The bird's length ranges from 35 to 43 centimeters, with a wingspan of 88 to 102 centimeters, and a weight between 250 and 380 grams. The tarsus is notably around 3.6 centimeters in length.

Identification Tips

When identifying the White-tailed Kite, look for its striking black shoulders and wingtips which contrast with its white underparts. The elongated wings and tail are key features, as well as its buoyant and graceful flight. In flight, the bird often exhibits a hovering behavior, which is quite distinctive.

Habitat

The White-tailed Kite favors open landscapes such as marshes, grasslands, and areas of lowland scrub. These environments provide the ideal hunting grounds for this raptor.

Distribution

Once nearly extinct in California due to human interference, the White-tailed Kite has made a remarkable recovery and is now commonly seen in various parts of the state, including the Central Valley and southern coastal regions. Its range extends from southern Texas and eastern Mexico to the Baja California Peninsula, and further south through Central and South America to central Argentina and Chile. Occasionally, individuals may stray far from their usual range, with sightings reported in New England.

Behaviour

This kite is primarily a hunter of rodents, but it also preys on small opossums, shrews, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects. It is not known to prey on other birds. Outside of the breeding season, White-tailed Kites may roost communally in large groups. During the breeding season, the female incubates the eggs while the male provides food. Territorial disputes are sometimes settled through aerial "grappling" where the birds lock talons.

Breeding

The breeding behavior involves both males and females constructing nests. Once nesting begins, the female remains with the eggs while the male hunts and brings food back to the nest for his mate and offspring.

Diet and Feeding

The White-tailed Kite's diet consists mainly of rodents, supplemented by small opossums, shrews, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects. They are often observed patrolling or hovering over their hunting grounds in search of prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the White-tailed Kite as a species of Least Concern, indicating a stable global population. This status reflects the bird's successful recovery from near extinction in certain regions.