ID Keys: Unmistakable deeply forked tail. White underparts and head
with dark wings and tail.
The range of the
Swallow-tailed Kite once stretched through much of the southeastern United
States, with stragglers ranging as far north as South Dakota and
Minnesota. The present U.S. range of the species is now largely restricted
to Florida, and locally elsewhere in the extreme Southeast.
Habitat
Primarily found in wooded swamps with
nearby open land.
Diet
Feeds primarily on large
insects. Also eats lizards, snakes, frogs, and young birds. Known to also
feed on fruit on its wintering grounds.
Behavior
An extremely graceful and beautiful
flyer, capable of a very wide range of flying maneuvers. Catches
insects while in flight, and will feed while in flight. Will also
capture prey from vegetation, usually catching them by flying by and not
stopping.
Breeding Map
Non-breeder in South Dakota
Song
Thin high whistle.
Migration
Summers in Florida and locally elsewhere in
the extreme Southeast. A long-distance migrant, wintering in South America.
