Slender-billed Kite
Helicolestes hamatus
The Slender-billed Kite (Helicolestes hamatus) is a rare kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 11 countries, weighing about 425 g. The slender-billed kite is a South American bird of prey in the family Accipitridae.
About the Slender-billed Kite
The slender-billed kite is a South American bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is found along a scattered range in forested parts of tropical northern and central South America, and far eastern Panama. The species was recategorized into and has once again been removed from the genus Rostrhamus.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The slender-billed kite is a slaty gray kite with broad, rounded wings and a short, square tail. The species ranges from 36 to 41 centimeters in length and possesses a wingspan of 80–90 centimeters. There is no sexual plumage dimorphism within the species; however, females tend to be larger than the males, weighing between 367 and 485 grams while males weigh between 377 and 448 grams. Their characteristically sharp black beak is hooked, matched by sharp, black talons. Their eyes are yellowish, and their face and legs are orange-red.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Slender-billed Kite can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Slender-billed Kite?
- The slender-billed kite is a slaty gray kite with broad, rounded wings and a short, square tail. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Slender-billed Kite?
- The Slender-billed Kite is a large sized bird weighing about 425 g.
- Where can you see a Slender-billed Kite?
- The Slender-billed Kite occurs in 11 countries, including Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Brazil and Suriname.
- What birds look similar to a Slender-billed Kite?
- The Slender-billed Kite is most easily confused with the Philippine Serpent Eagle, the Wallace's Hawk-Eagle and the Bat Hawk.
- Is the Slender-billed Kite endangered?
- The Slender-billed Kite is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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