Scissor-tailed Kite
Chelictinia riocourii
The Scissor-tailed Kite (Chelictinia riocourii) is a rare kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 14 countries, weighing about 110 g. The scissor-tailed kite, also known commonly as the African swallow-tailed kite and the fork-tailed kite, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
About the Scissor-tailed Kite
The scissor-tailed kite, also known commonly as the African swallow-tailed kite and the fork-tailed kite, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is the only species placed in the genus Chelictinia. It is widespread in the northern tropics of Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It weighs 160–427 grams with a wingspan of 84–89 cm. The scissor-tailed kite is a small, slim grey and white kite with a relatively weak bill, a broad head, long pointed wings and a deeply forked tail. The adults are generally pale grey above and white below, with a white forehead and a black patch around the eyes. In flight the dark greyish flight feathers contrast with the inner underwing edges, there is also an obvious black bar across the carpal. Juveniles are darker on the back with rufous edges to the feathers and creamier below.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Scissor-tailed Kite?
- It weighs 160–427 grams with a wingspan of 84–89 cm. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Scissor-tailed Kite?
- The Scissor-tailed Kite is a medium sized bird weighing about 110 g.
- Where can you see a Scissor-tailed Kite?
- The Scissor-tailed Kite occurs in 14 countries, including Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, Benin and Ethiopia.
- What birds look similar to a Scissor-tailed Kite?
- The Scissor-tailed Kite is most easily confused with the Sulawesi Serpent Eagle, the White-browed Hawk and the Letter-winged Kite.
- Is the Scissor-tailed Kite endangered?
- The Scissor-tailed Kite is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Scissor-tailed Kite for real
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