Swallow-tailed Kite

Identification

The swallow-tailed kite is a medium-sized raptor measuring 50 to 68 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 1.12–1.36 m. Its most distinctive feature is its deeply forked tail, measuring 27.5–37 cm long, which gives the species its name and creates an unmistakable silhouette in flight. The bird's plumage is striking: the body displays contrasting deep black and white coloration, with black flight feathers, tail, feet, and bill. The upperside of the wings is black, while the underside is partly black and partly white. Males and females appear similar, though young birds are duller in color and have less deeply forked tails. The bird's relatively elongated wings and short tarsi are adaptations for its aerial lifestyle. While mostly silent, swallow-tailed kites occasionally emit high-pitched chirps.

Range & Habitat

The swallow-tailed kite breeds from the southeastern United States to eastern Peru and northern Argentina, with roughly 3% of the world's population breeding in North America. Historically, the species occupied much of the Southern United States and Midwest, but habitat degradation has caused an approximate 80% population decline, restricting the North American range to coastal regions of the southeastern and southwestern US. The species is strongly associated with large tracts of wetland forests, particularly those containing loblolly pines or bald cypress trees where nests are built at heights reaching 100 feet or more. Most North and Central American breeders winter in South America, where the species is resident year-round, with some individuals undertaking migration journeys exceeding 10,000 miles.

Behaviour & Diet

Considered one of the most graceful fliers in America, swallow-tailed kites spend much of their lives soaring high above treetops, their specialized wing and tail morphology enabling effortless gliding over vast distances. The species feeds on a diverse diet including small reptiles such as snakes and lizards, small amphibians including frogs, large insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, termites, ants, wasps, dragonflies, and beetles, as well as small birds, eggs, nestlings, small mammals including bats, and occasionally fish. In Central America, the birds regularly consume fruit. Notably, they drink by skimming water surfaces and typically do not break flight while feeding. Mating occurs from March to May, with females laying two to four white or bluish-white eggs spotted with brown. Incubation lasts 28 days, with fledging occurring after 36 to 42 days. The birds are thought to form monogamous pairs and may return to previous nesting sites to refurbish old nests, which take approximately four days to complete.

Best Time & Places to See It

Spring months offer the best opportunity to observe swallow-tailed kites in the United States, as birds return from Central and South American wintering grounds to breed in coastal wetlands. The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida is a key conservation area where the species can be found. Given the bird's strong association with coastal wetland forests in the southeastern and southwestern United States, visiting these regions during breeding season increases the likelihood of sightings. The Center for Birds of Prey in Charleston, South Carolina maintains records of sightings and welcomes reports from observers.

Photography Tips

Photographing swallow-tailed kites requires patience and positioning near suitable wetland habitats where these graceful fliers hunt. The bird's aerial hunting behavior means photographers should look skyward, scanning open areas above tall trees where the kite's distinctive forked tail and contrasting black-and-white plumage are most visible. Early morning hours typically offer the best light for capturing the bird's striking coloration and elegant silhouette. A telephoto lens is essential, as kites spend much of their time soaring at considerable heights. The bird's swift, acrobatic flight demands fast shutter speeds and continuous autofocus. Position yourself in coastal wetland regions during spring breeding season for optimal opportunities.