About the Swallow-tailed Kite
The swallow-tailed kite is a pernine raptor which breeds from the southeastern United States to eastern Peru and northern Argentina. It is the only species in the genus Elanoides. Most North and Central American breeders winter in South America where the species is resident year round.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The species is 50 to 68 cm (20 to 27 in) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 1.12–1.36 m (3.7–4.5 ft). Male and female individuals appear similar. The body weight is 310–600 g (11–21 oz). The body is a contrasting deep black and white. The flight feathers, tail, feet, bill are all black. Another characteristic is the elongated, forked tail at 27.5–37 cm (10.8–14.6 in) long, hence the name swallow-tailed. The wings are also relatively elongated, as the wing chord measures 39–45 cm (15–18 in). The tarsus is fairly short for the size of the bird at 3.3 cm (1.3 in).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Swallow-tailed Kite lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Portugal, Chile, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Pierre & Miquelon.
When to see the Swallow-tailed Kite
Peak activity in March · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Short-toed Snake EagleCircaetus gallicusThese are relatively large snake eagles.
Grey-lined HawkButeo nitidusThe gray-lined hawk is 46–61 cm (18–24 in) in length and weighs 475 g (16.8 oz) average.
Booted EagleHieraaetus pennatusThe booted eagle is a small eagle with a length of 40 cm (16 in) and a wingspan of 110–132 cm (43–52 in); males weigh about 510–770 g (18–27 oz) and females about 840–1,025 g (29.6–36.2 oz).
Side by side: Booted Eagle vs Swallow-tailed Kite · Short-toed Snake Eagle vs Swallow-tailed Kite · Grey-lined Hawk vs Swallow-tailed Kite
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