Joan and Dan's Birding Blog: Swallow-Tailed Kite

Today's featured feathered friend is the Swallow-Tailed Kite. With it's "scissor-tail" and distinctive black and white plumage, it's presence is exciting and unforgettable. It's head and body are white, it's wings, tail, feet and bill are black. It's tail alone is over a foot long. Adults and juveniles are similar in appearance, although younger birds have shorter tails. Their average length is 23 inches, their average wingspan is 48 inches and their average weight is slightly more than one pound.
These striking raptors are native to South America, but many migrate to the United States each spring for a breeding season which takes place from March to May. They can be found in all of the Gulf Coast states and as far north as the Carolinas. In late summer and early fall, as many as 2,000 birds gather together in the same place (a staging area) before heading south for the winter.

Swallow-Tailed Kites are very fascinating birds. They rarely flap their wings in flight, however, they constantly rotate their tails to maintain a heading or to make sharp turns. They glide low over water and then skim the surface with their bill to get a drink. They sometimes eat while in flight. Their call is more like that of a songbird than a raptor, yet they are mostly silent.

     This graceful bird was chosen as the symbol for The Great Florida Birding Trail (GFBT). It's image adorns road signs state-wide, signifying stops along the Trail. The GFBT is a network of over 500 sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent birdwatching, wildlife viewing or educational opportunities.
     The Swallow-Tailed Kite certificate (Level 5, Elite) from the Wings Over Florida Program is the highest level that can be reached. It is awarded after a birder scores 350 Florida species.  We are now less than 50 birds away from reaching our Level 3 (Advanced, 250 Florida species) certificate.
     Click on the links provided for more information about the Swallow-Tailed Kite and the GFBT. Enjoy these photos taken from our backyard.....tweet.....tweet.