White-tailed Kites have a tiny range in the U.S., but they occur throughout the Americas, breeding as far south as Chile and Argentina. A closely related and very similar species, the Black-shouldered Kite, occurs across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The oldest recorded White-tailed Kite was at least 6 years old when it was found in California.

White-tailed kite with prey. The white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) is a small raptor found in western North America and parts of South America. It replaces the related Old World black-winged kite in its native range.

As recently as the 1940s, this graceful hawk was considered rare and endangered in North America, restricted to a few sites in California and Texas. In recent decades, it has increased greatly in numbers and spread into many new areas.

Small hawk with narrow, pointed wings and long tail. Adults in flight are white below with black primaries and a dark spot on the "wrists."

Mostly white, small hawk. Gray wings and back with black shoulders. Hovers over open areas in search of mice, snakes, and other prey. Perches atop tall vegetation in open landscapes including coastal plains and agricultural areas.

White-tailed Kites are common in savannas, open woodlands, marshes, desert grasslands, partially cleared lands, and cultivated fields. They tend to avoid heavily grazed areas. The White-tailed Kite eats mainly small mammals, but it also eats …

2024年6月7日 · The White-tailed Kite is a fairly distinctive bird: small sized, white head, white body, gray-black wings, black shoulders, and of course, a white tail. Their eyes, upon closer inspection, are dark red. This achieves a dramatic color scheme one can only enjoy up close, or with binoculars.

2023年11月14日 · The white-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) is a medium-sized raptor found in open grasslands, savannas, and wetlands throughout much of the Americas. Known for its distinctive white tail and hovering flight, this elegant bird of prey was once rare and declining across much of its range, leading to heightened conservation interest.

White-tailed kites are found in western North America, Central America, and parts of South America. These birds inhabit coastal areas, marshes, river valleys, grasslands, savannas, and shrublands. They can also be found in urban areas and in farm country.

Across their restricted range, White-tailed Kites prefer open country. They hunt grasslands, savanna, roadsides, and agricultural areas and are surprisingly more regular in suburban settings than most raptors. They often form large winter roosts (dozens of …