Bird Guide

Double-toothed Kite

Harpagus bidentatus

Least ConcernInvertebratesForestPlatform nestMedium · 215 g

About the Double-toothed Kite

The double-toothed kite is a species of bird of prey in subfamily Accipitrinae, the "true" hawks, of family Accipitridae. It is found from central Mexico through Central America into much of northern and eastern South America.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The double-toothed kite is 29 to 35 cm (11 to 14 in) long with a wingspan of 60 to 72 cm (24 to 28 in). Males weigh about 160 to 200 g (5.6 to 7.1 oz) and females about 190 to 230 g (6.7 to 8.1 oz). The species gets its English name from the tooth-like notches on the edge of its maxilla. Males and females have similar plumage though the females' colors are richer. Adults of both subspecies have a dark gray head with a white throat that has a dark stripe down its center. Their upperparts are a somewhat lighter gray and their tail blackish with three grayish bands and a gray tip. Voice: The double-toothed kite makes high-pitched calls "'tsip-tsip-tsip-tsip-wheeeeeoooip', extended 'wheeeeoooo' or 'cheeeeee-it'" in nest defence or other agonistic encounters. Pairs make contact calls described as "whistled 'see-weeeeep' or 'chee-weet'". Young beg with a "chee-weet" call.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Double-toothed Kite lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.

When to see the Double-toothed Kite

Peak activity in March · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

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