Swallow-tailed Kite

The Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus, presents a striking silhouette with its deep black and white plumage. This pernine raptor is medium-sized, ranging from 50 to 68 cm in length, and boasts an impressive wingspan of approximately 1.12 to 1.36 meters. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with a body weight between 310 to 600 grams. The species is easily identified by its elongated, deeply forked tail, which measures 27.5 to 37 cm, and its long wings, with a wing chord of 39 to 45 cm. The tarsus is relatively short at 3.3 cm, considering the bird's size.

Identification Tips

Adult Swallow-tailed Kites are characterized by their contrasting black and white bodies, with black flight feathers, tail, feet, and bill. The underside of the wings is a mix of black and white. Juveniles are duller and have less deeply forked tails. In flight, the bird's grace is unmistakable, often emitting a high-pitched chirp, though they are mostly silent.

Habitat

This species is closely associated with large expanses of wetland forests, which provide suitable nesting sites. They prefer tall trees such as Loblolly pines and Bald cypress for nesting, with the availability of food and tree height being crucial factors.

Distribution

Historically found across the Southern United States and parts of the Midwest, the Swallow-tailed Kite's range has contracted significantly due to habitat degradation. It is now primarily found in coastal regions of the southeastern and southwestern United States, with a noted 80% decline in population. The species is also resident year-round in Central and South America.

Behaviour

Swallow-tailed Kites are migratory raptors, with some North and Central American breeders wintering in South America. They are known for their graceful flight, spending much of their time gliding in search of food atop high tree canopies. Their wing and tail morphology allows for effortless gliding over long distances.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Swallow-tailed Kite includes small reptiles like snakes and lizards, amphibians such as frogs, large insects, small birds and their young, and small mammals including bats. They have also been known to consume fish and fruit, particularly in Central America. Remarkably, these birds feed without breaking flight, skimming the surface for water or catching prey in mid-air.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from March to May, with females laying 2 to 4 eggs. Incubation lasts 28 days, followed by a fledging period of 36 to 42 days. The species is thought to form monogamous pairs that reunite during migration to nesting sites, often returning to previous years' nests to refurbish them.

Conservation status

In the United States, Swallow-tailed Kites are not federally listed as endangered or threatened but are considered endangered in South Carolina and threatened in Texas. Conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and management, have led to stabilization and even increases in some populations, particularly in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.