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white-tailed kite

bird
Also known as: Elanus leucurus

Quick Summary

The white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus majusculus) is a bird of prey found in warm and tropical regions of the Americas. It is characterized by its gray upperparts, black wing coverts, and white head, breast, tail, and underparts. Kites, in general, are lightly built birds with long, narrow wings and tails, known for their graceful, buoyant flight. They belong to the family Accipitridae and can be found worldwide. While some kites feed on insects, others are scavengers or eat rodents and reptiles. The white-tailed kite specifically preys on rodents. Some kite species, like the elanine kites, may breed more frequently in response to abundant food sources.123

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