- Elanoides forficatus
Identification
The most similar profile is a bird from a different order, the Magnificent Frigatebird which is mostly black with at the most, white extending from the head to the throat.
Distribution
North, Central and South America. In North America breeds in mainly coastal areas from South Carolina south to Florida and along the Gulf Coast into eastern Mexico. More common and widespread in Central America south to Panama and in South America from Colombia and Venezuela (rare in Trinidad) south to northern Argentina. Formerly more widespread in North America breeding as far north as Minnesota.
Northern birds are summer visitors and migrate in large flocks to winter in South America. Occasionally wanders north to the Great Lakes and New England.
The only accepted record for the Western Palearctic is of a bird in the Canary Islands in 1993 although there are other more doubtful records from elsewhere including Britain.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies recognised: nominate race in the USA and northern Mexico and yetapa from southern Mexico to Argentina.
Habitat
Open woodland and forest often near rivers and lakes. In the USA often occurs in cypress swamps and open pinewoods. On the U.S. Gulf Coast best place to observe swallow-tailed kites is in the air above wooded riparian corridors. One such place is Liberty-Dayton, Texas.
Behaviour
Does not hover. May snatch things or water from surface of water while in flight like a swallow or a frigatebird. Also catch insects in flight, and sometimes eat in flight.
