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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus ORDER: ACCIPITRIFORMES FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A strikingly marked raptor of wetlands in the southeastern United States, the Swallow-tailed Kite captures flying insects or plucks insects and lizards from the tops of trees.

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Appearance

Hawks
Hawks
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized hawk.
  • Striking black-and-white coloring, with white head and body and black wings and tail.
  • Long, thin, pointed wings.
  • Long, forked tail.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but with shorter tail.

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Swallow-tailed Kite Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Swallow-tailed Kite

    Adult
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Indian Lakes, Florida

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