swallow-tailed kite

bird, Elanoides forficatus

Also known as: Elanoides forficatus

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus) is a graceful bird of prey found in North America, primarily in the central and southern United States, as well as tropical eastern South America. It is characterized by its striking black and white plumage and a deeply forked tail.12

Kites, in general, are lightly built birds with long, narrow wings and tails, known for their buoyant and slow, gliding flight. They belong to the family Accipitridae and are found worldwide in warm regions. While some kites are scavengers, others feed on insects, rodents, reptiles, or even snails. The swallow-tailed kite is part of the Perninae subfamily.2

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kite
The swallow-tailed kite of the New World (Elanoides forficatus) is a striking black and white bird of the subfamily Perninae. It is about 60 cm long, including its long forked tail. It is most common in tropical eastern South America but also occurs from Central America…
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The swallow-tailed kite of the New World (Elanoides forficatus) is a striking black and white bird of the subfamily Perninae. It is about 60 cm long, including its long forked tail. It is most common in tropical eastern South America but also occurs from Central America…
Read More