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Elanoides forficatus
Swallow-tailed Kite
Florida native
Swallow-tailed kites breed and can be seen throughout Florida and along the southeastern coast of the United States from spring through summer. They winter in much of South America except for Argentina and Chile.
Usually seen soaring along the edges of woods, often near wetlands, they are the largest kites in North America. The distinctive coloring of the white head and body contrasted with the black wings and forked tail make this an easy bird to identify.
Swallow-tailed kites pluck insects, other invertebrates, lizards and even small snakes from the tops of trees and eat while flying. In mid to late summer large numbers of kites will start roosting together before setting off on their migration to South America.
Elanoides forficatus is a member of the Accipitridae - Hawks & Eagles family.
For more information on this species, visit the following link:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds page for this species
Date record last modified: Mar 26, 2022
