American Swallow-Tailed Kite ( Elanoides foricatus )

The American Swallow-Tailed Kite seen in flight has a deeply forked tail and a sharply defined pattern of black and white.It can be found in open woods, bottomlands and wetlands. It nests in the top of high trees. It is a social bird and several may hunt in the same territory. It preys on flying insects, snakes, lizards and young birds. Ranges over the south eastern U.S.

The Hook -Billed Kite is a tropical species. It has a large, heavy bill with a long hook. The tail is banded. Males are generally gray overall while the female is brown. It preys on insects, amphibians but prefers snails of various kinds. Broken snail shells beneath a tree may indicate a favorite perch or a nest site above. Ranges over the extreme southern tip of Texas.

Mississippi Kite ( Ictina mississipiensis )

The Mississippi Kite has long pointed wings. It is dark gray above and pale below with a pale head. It preys upon insects, mice, lizards and frogs. Usually found in open woodlands, swamps and semi-arid rangelands. It is a gregarious bird often nesting in loose colonies. Ranges over the southern U.S.

The Snail Kite is slate gray above and below with a white tail with a dark wide band and a pale inner band. The female is dark brown with white on the forehead and front. Its chief and perhaps only prey is the apple snail. This bird is a tropical species and is an uncommon and local resident of southern Florida. (Formerly called the " Everglade Kite".)





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Black-Shouldered Kite ( Elanus caeruleus )

The Black-Shouldered Kite has long pointed wings and a long tail. In all ages black shoulders show in flight on the leading edge of the wing. Hovers while hunting. It preys on rodents and insects. Fairly common in brushy grasslands and farmlands. ( Formerly known as " White-Tailed Kite".) Ranges over western California and coastal areas of southern Texas.

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