Swallow-Tailed Kite

## Description

The swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus ) 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.

## Appearance

The Swallow-tailed kite is a raptor of warmer climates. Male and female birds appear similar having a contrasting deep black and white body. The flight feathers, tail, feet, and bill are all black. Another characteristic is the elongated, forked tail, hence the name swallow-tailed. Young individuals are duller in color than adults, and their tail is not as deeply forked.

## Distribution

Swallow-tailed kites breed from the southeastern United States to eastern Peru and northern Argentina. They are considered migratory raptors and during the spring months often move from areas in Central and South America to breed. Swallow-tailed kites are largely associated with wetland forests that provide the birds with nesting habits. They can be found in rainforests, mountain cloud forests, mangroves, and tropical dry forests.

## Behavior

Swallow-tailed kites are active during the day and spend most of their time on the wing. These birds are considered one of the most graceful fliers seen in America and often spend the majority of their lives scouring high treetops for lizards, small mammals, and insects. Swallow-tailed kites are social birds; they may forage in groups and often roost communally, especially before migration. They may also nest in loose colonies. These birds mostly remain silent but sometimes may emit a high-pitched chirp. When alarmed, however, Swallow-tailed kites become very vocal.

## Diet

Swallow-tailed kites are carnivores and feed on small reptiles, such as snakes and lizards. They may also feed on small amphibians such as frogs; large insects, such as grasshoppers, and crickets; small birds and eggs; and small mammals including bats.

## Reproduction

Swallow-tailed kites form monogamous pairs, however, the birds are thought to spend some time apart and meet up during migrations to nesting locations. These nesting locations are often found in the highest trees in wetland areas. On occasion, pairs will return to the same nesting locations of the previous years and refurbish old nests. Generally, nests take about four days to complete. The breeding season occurs from March to May, with the female laying 2 to 4 eggs. Incubation lasts 28 days made mainly by the female. The chicks are altricial; they hatch helpless, with eyes closed and covered in down. They fledge at 36-42 days of age and become independent 2 weeks later.

## Population

### Population threats

The main threat to Swallow-tailed kites is habitat loss due to deforestation and habitat degradation. Shooting, egg collection, and disturbances are other serious factors that influence the population decline of this species.

### Population number

According to the All About Birds resource the total breeding population size of the Swallow-tailed kite is 150,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing.

## Fun Facts for Kids

The scientific name of the Swallow-tailed kite comes from Ancient Greek where elanos is translated as "kite" and -oides means "resembling".

Swallow-tailed kites drink by skimming the surface and collecting water in their beak.

Swallow-tailed kites usually do not break flight during feeding.

The wing and tail structure of the Swallow-tailed kite allows the bird to glide effortlessly for long distances. The bird rarely flaps its wings while flying but almost continuously rotates its tail to nearly 90 degrees.

Despite being carnivores, Swallow-tailed kites have been observed eating fruit from trees in the tropics.