Pearl Kite

The Pearl Kite, Gampsonyx swainsonii, is a diminutive raptor, the smallest of its kind in the Americas. It is distinguished by its black crown, upperparts, wings, and tail, contrasted with a yellow forehead, cheeks, and legs. A white collar edged with rufous and predominantly white underparts complete its striking appearance.

Identification Tips

Adult Pearl Kites can be recognized by their compact size, measuring 20.3–23 cm in length and weighing between 80–95 grams. They exhibit a black and white plumage with a distinctive yellow forehead and cheeks. The immature birds share a similar pattern but have additional white and chestnut tips on their back and wing feathers, a buff collar, and buff hues on the white underparts.

Habitat

This species thrives in open savanna areas adjacent to deciduous woodlands, where it can often be seen perched conspicuously.

Distribution

The Pearl Kite's range extends from Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela, down to Bolivia and northern Argentina. It has also established a sedentary population in Nicaragua and has been expanding its range, including breeding in Trinidad since 1970 and becoming fairly common along the Pacific slope of Costa Rica up to elevations of 1000 meters.

Behaviour

Pearl Kites are known for their high perches from which they swoop down on their prey. They are also expanding their range, indicating adaptability and resilience in their behavior.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Pearl Kite are described as a high-pitched, musical series of "pip-pip-pip-pip" or a repeated "kitty-kitty-kitty."

Breeding

The breeding behavior of the Pearl Kite involves constructing a deep cup-shaped nest high in a tree. The female incubates a clutch of 2-4 brown-marked white eggs for 34–35 days, with the fledging period lasting an additional five weeks. The species may produce two broods within a single season.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Pearl Kite primarily consists of lizards, including Anolis and geckos, with the Microlophus occipitalis lizard being a particularly common prey item. They also consume small birds, such as ruddy ground doves, frogs, and insects like cockroaches.

Conservation status

The Pearl Kite is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.