Alternative name: Cayenne Kite
- Leptodon cayanensis
Identification
43–54 cm
Similar Species
Similar to White-collared Kite.
Distribution
Central and South America.
Breeds in Mexico from southern Tamaulipas to Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula and south to Panama. In South America breeds from Colombia, Venezuela and Trinidad south to Bolivia and northern Argentina.
Resident. Uncommon in north of range.
Taxonomy
Subspecies
Two subspecies are recognized[1]:
- L. c. cayanensis:
- L. c. monachus;
Habitat
Tropical forest, particularly along rivers and streams, savannas and swamps.
Behaviour
Perches high in trees and can be difficult to see.
Diet
A very varied diet, consisting of insects, hornets, wasps, eggs, birds and lizards etc.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (retrieved June 2014)
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Gray-headed Kite. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 27 September 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Gray-headed_Kite
