Swallow Tailed Kite
1. Bird Name
The bird in focus is the Swallow-tailed Kite, scientific name Elanoides forficatus.
2. Appearance
The Swallow-tailed Kite is admired for its distinctive elegance. It flaunts an almost entirely black and white plumage. Its body and head are contrastingly white, offset with black wings and tail. The tail is deeply forked, giving rise to its name. There are no discernible differences in appearance between the males and females, making it a case of sexual monomorphism. They own a small, sharply hooked bill ideal for their diet, paired with dark, inquisitive eyes. Their flight feathers are long and pointed, enhancing their aerodynamic capabilities.
3. Size
Swallow-tailed Kites are notably large raptors, with an average body length of 50-68cm (20-27 inches). They possess an impressive wingspan ranging between 100-115cm (3.28-3.77 feet) and exhibit a weight range of 310-600gms (11-21oz).
4. Habitat & Distribution
These charismatic birds are natives of the warm climates. They are predominantly found in Southeastern US, extending through Central America and into South America as far as Argentina. Their preferred habitats include expansive forests, swamps, marshes, and river edges. They are also commonly sighted around open fields and prairies.
5. Interesting Facts
The Swallow-tailed Kites, demonstrate exceptional aerial agility, executing complex maneuvers mid-air. They are also known for their long migratory routes, with some individuals covering an astonishing 10,000 miles round-trip between the US and South America. Their cultural significance is embedded in some Native American tribes who considered them spiritual messengers.
6. Diet
Swallow-tailed Kites are primarily insectivorous, feasting on beetles, grasshoppers, and dragonflies. They also eat small vertebrates including frogs, lizards, and small birds. They captivate spectators with the ability to eat while flying, delicately maneuvering their flights without losing momentum.
7. Behavior & Sounds
The Kites display communal roosting behavior, where groups gather at favoured roost sites. Courtship displays involve impressive aerial stunts characterized by steep dives and swoops. Their vocalization is a shrill, repeated whistle that may be heard during flights or while in pursuit of trespassers.
8. Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies the Swallow-tailed Kite as “Least Concern,” attributing to their extensive range and stable population trends. However, in some regions like the US, local laws recognize them as Endangered due to habitat loss and other anthropogenic influences.
9. Lifespan
Typically, in the wild, the Swallow-tailed Kite life span is about 8-10 years. In captivity, data on lifespan is scarce due to the lack of captive populations.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish, they are referred to as “elanio tijereta”. Their excellence in pest control adds value to their roles in the ecosystem. Regarding human interactions, they are harmless unless their nests are threatened. They offer captivating sight for bird-watchers and nature lovers alike, enhancing bird tourism. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem reflecting balance in nature.
