Swallow-tailed Kite Photo Gallery
Juvenile
Slender and buoyant raptor with narrow, pointed wings and a deeply forked tail.
© Adam Wilson / Macaulay LibraryIndiana, September 02, 2018Adult
When perched, note long and slender look and long forked tail. The gleaming white head contrasts with its black back.
© fernando Burgalin Sequeria / Macaulay LibraryAlajuela, June 25, 2017Adult
Small-bodied, long-winged raptor with very buoyant flight style. Often twists tail to adjust position as it flies.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryBolívar, April 01, 1996Not all videos have soundAdult
Most often seen in flight soaring on thermals with little flapping. Captures and eats prey in flight.
© Brad Imhoff / Macaulay LibraryOhio, August 27, 2019Adult
A crisp black-and-white raptor with a deeply forked tail that soars gracefully over swamps, marshes, large rivers, and savannas with tall trees.
© Brad Imhoff / Macaulay LibraryOhio, August 24, 2019Adult
Graceful black-and-white raptor with long, forked tail and elegant soaring style. Wingbeats are smooth and slow.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryBolívar, April 01, 1996Not all videos have soundJuvenile
Juveniles look very similar to adults but have a slight buffy wash on their head and breast.
© John Drummond / Macaulay LibraryColorado, August 23, 2017Habitat
Roosts with other Swallow-tailed Kites in tall trees often near swamps or wetlands.
© deborah grimes / Macaulay LibraryGeorgia, July 25, 2017Adult
Builds nests of small sticks high in trees in open woodlands or swamps.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, April 04, 2001Not all videos have soundCompare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites(Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae)
More to Read
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.