Swallow-tailed Kite

Swallow-tailed Kite turns open air into a path. Long wings, a scissor tail, insect-catching flight, and thermal steering make control look effortless because the body is shaped for it.

• Swallow-tailed kites can eat prey on the wing.
• Their black-and-white plumage and deeply forked tail make their shape unmistakable overhead.
• They migrate long distances between breeding and wintering areas.
• They often drink in flight by skimming the water surface with the bill.

Diurnal, most active when thermals and daylight support soaring and visual hunting.

Habitat: river forest, swamp edge, and warm open sky over woodland

Native range: the southeastern United States through Central and South America

Flying insects, lizards, frogs, small snakes, nestling birds, and other small prey.

Diurnal, most active when thermals and daylight support soaring and visual hunting.

Poorly measured. About 6 years is often quoted as an average, though firm data are scarce and some birds probably live well beyond that.

Females lay eggs in high tree nests, and young depend on precise parent flight bringing food back through the canopy.

Males and females share the same plumage. Females average slightly larger, but the difference cannot be judged in the field.

Rarity: Uncommon · 58/100. Swallow-tailed Kite can still be found in good habitat, but local numbers shift when river forest, swamp edge, and warm open sky over woodland changes.

• Keep distance and let the animal choose the space.
• Avoid blocking movement routes, nesting areas, or feeding behavior.
• Use optics, patience, and quiet observation instead of crowding for a closer view.