Pearl Kite
Gampsonyx swainsonii
The Pearl Kite (Gampsonyx swainsonii) is a uncommon kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 19 countries, weighing about 93 g. The pearl kite is a very small raptor found in open savanna habitat adjacent to deciduous woodland in Central and South America.
About the Pearl Kite
The pearl kite is a very small raptor found in open savanna habitat adjacent to deciduous woodland in Central and South America. It is the only member of the genus Gampsonyx. The scientific name commemorates the English naturalist William Swainson.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Uruguay.
When to see it
The Pearl Kite can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Pearl Kite?
- 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). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Pearl Kite?
- The Pearl Kite is a medium sized bird weighing about 93 g.
- Where can you see a Pearl Kite?
- The Pearl Kite occurs in 19 countries, including Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Panama and Costa Rica.
- What birds look similar to a Pearl Kite?
- The Pearl Kite is most easily confused with the African Hawk-Eagle, the Spotted Harrier and the Spanish Imperial Eagle.
- Is the Pearl Kite endangered?
- The Pearl Kite is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Pearl Kite for real
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