Bird Guide

Pearl Kite vs Spotted Harrier

Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii)

Pearl Kite

Gampsonyx swainsonii

Medium93 gForest

The pearl kite is 20.3–23 cm (8.0–9.1 in) in length and weighs 80–95 g (2.8–3.4 oz). It is the smallest raptor in the Americas and one of the two smallest accipitrids in the world (besides the little sparrowhawk). The tiny hawk, another neotropical species, attains a slightly higher weight than the pearl kite. The adult has a black crown, upperparts, wing and tail, a rufous edged white collar, yellow forehead and cheeks, mainly white underparts, and yellow legs.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jquental/ · CC BY 2.0
Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis)

Spotted Harrier

Circus assimilis

Large559 gGrassland

The spotted harrier is a medium-sized, slender bird of prey with adult females reaching 58–61 cm. Both adults and juvenile birds have an owl-like facial ruff that creates the appearance of a short, broad head as well as long yellow legs. The spotted harrier's wings feature prominent black tips and the tail is prominently barred and slightly wedge shaped. Adult males are much smaller than the females only growing to 50–55 cm. Adult birds have blue to grey upper parts with a chestnut face and underparts that feature numerous white spots.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: finch_fanatic · CC0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Pearl Kite and Spotted Harrier.