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Class:
Aves
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Order:
Ciconiiformes
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Family:
Accipitridae
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Subfamily:
Accipitrinae
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Genus:
Elanoides
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Species:
forficatus
| Swallow-tailed Kite |
|---|
|
General description.
The Swallow-tailed Kite is the largest North American kite. With a tail that looks like an over-sized swallow, this bird is magnificent in appearance. This bird is often found in the air, swooping down to water to take a drink. It catches the insects that it eats in flight as well. This bird nests in trees and builds a platform nest to raise the young in. A mated pair raises one brood per year. The Swallow-tailed Kite, though common, is listed as endangered in several places and is extinct is some places as well. Populations have been making a comeback and the range is slowing expanding.Flight pattern.
Direct and circling. Soars on thermals.Breeding habits.
Monogamous.Calls or song.
ee-ee-ee or pee-pee-pee and peat, peat, peat or klee, klee, kleePopulation and distribution.
Common.Nesting habits.
The Swallow-tailed Kite nests in trees and lays 2-3 white eggs in May or June.Similar birds:
|
White-tailed Kite |
|
Mississippi Kite |
Birds in the same Family:
Swallow-tailed Kite
Common names:
Swallow-tailed Kite
Scientific Name:
Elanoides forficatus
Tags:
white black "forked tail" "long wings" "white body"
Swallow-tailed Kite Data:
Length: 22 in
Wingspan: 48 in
Weight: 16 oz
Migratory: True
ABA Score: 1
Relative size:
Roughly Hawk-sized