Double-toothed Kite

The Double-toothed Kite, known scientifically as Harpagus bidentatus, is a bird of prey belonging to the Accipitrinae subfamily, often referred to as the "true" hawks. This species exhibits a modest size, ranging from 29 to 35 cm in length, with a wingspan stretching between 60 to 72 cm. Males typically weigh between 160 to 200 grams, while females are slightly heavier, weighing in at 190 to 230 grams. The kite's name is derived from the distinctive tooth-like notches along the edge of its maxilla.

Identification Tips

Adults of both sexes possess a dark gray head contrasted by a white throat with a central dark stripe. Their upperparts are a lighter shade of gray, and their tail is blackish with three grayish bands and a gray tip. The eyes of this raptor are a striking red, with a cere of greenish-yellow and legs and feet of yellow. The nominate subspecies features a rufous breast and belly, with gray and whitish barring that may extend to the lower breast, and white undertail coverts. The subspecies H. b. fasciatus has a paler rufous coloring with more extensive and heavier barring. Immature birds display deep brown upperparts and whitish to buff underparts with bold vertical brown streaks.

Habitat

The Double-toothed Kite favors the interiors of mature subtropical and tropical forests. It can also be found in forest edges, clearings, secondary forests, scrubby woodlands, and disturbed forests. Its elevation range varies from sea level up to 2,100 meters in Ecuador.

Distribution

The nominate subspecies is found from Trinidad, across eastern Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, and into Amazonian regions of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, with a separate population in southeastern Brazil. The H. b. fasciatus subspecies ranges from Jalisco and southern Veracruz in Mexico through Central America to western Colombia and Ecuador. There have been rare sightings as far north as Texas.

Behaviour

The Double-toothed Kite is predominantly sedentary, with occasional reports of individuals wandering outside their usual range.

Feeding

This kite hunts from perches within the forest, diving to capture prey which includes insects like butterflies, cicadas, and beetles, as well as small vertebrates such as lizards and bats. It is known to follow troops of monkeys, seizing the opportunity to catch prey disturbed by their movement.

Breeding

Breeding seasons vary across the kite's range, generally coinciding with local spring and early summer. Courtship involves display flights and males feeding females. The female constructs a saucer-shaped nest high in the trees, with the male sometimes assisting. Clutch size is typically two eggs, with the female handling most of the incubation over a period of 42 to 45 days. Fledging occurs 27 to 31 days post-hatching, with independence reached approximately two months later.

Song & Calls

The Double-toothed Kite's vocal repertoire includes high-pitched 'tsip' calls and extended 'wheeeeoooo' sounds used in nest defense, while pairs communicate with whistled 'see-weeeeep' or 'chee-weet' calls. Fledglings beg with a similar 'chee-weet' call.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Double-toothed Kite as Least Concern. It boasts a vast range and a population estimated to exceed half a million mature individuals. While common in suitable habitats, the species is sensitive to extensive deforestation.