White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus
- IdentificationVisual tips about this species
- BehaviourHabitat, behaviour, and food
- PopulationSubspecies and numbers
- ReproductionNesting and eggs
Identification
With its long pointed wings and long tail, the White-tailed Kite is very falcon-like in appearance, but the flight is more reminiscent of a gull. Adults are gray above and white below, with black shoulders and a red iris. They are most similar to Mississippi Kite, but can be separated by their longer, mostly white tails and white underparts. In good light its conspicuous black shoulders are diagnostic and this is the only kite which hovers. Juveniles are lightly streaked with rufous on the head and underparts though, as with adults, the black shoulders are diagnostic.
Voice
Usually silent except during courtship, when it occasionally gives a series of whistled chirps.
Length
15in
Behaviour
Hovers while hunting, unlike any other species of kite. In winter, forms roosts of several hundred birds.
Migration
Mostly resident, although some birds may wander beyond their normal range.
Habitat
Brushy grasslands and agricultural areas.
Food
Mainly rodents and insects.
Population trends
Rare, due to persecution, and apparently on it's way to extinction in the 1930s. After a remarkable, unexplained comeback, it is again a common sight. Numbers are continuing to increase, and it has expanded it's range into many new areas in the west, but has declined in other areas.
Where in US
Southern Texas, central and coastal California, and coastal Oregon, with small populations in surrounding states.
Nests
A platform of sticks and twigs, usually near the top of a tree or bush.
Eggs
Usually 4-5, creamy-white with brown blotches. Single-brooded
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