Swallow-tailed Kite Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesSwallow-tailed Kite
Juvenile
Slender and buoyant raptor with narrow, pointed wings and a deeply forked tail.
© Adam Wilson / Macaulay LibraryIndiana, September 02, 2018Adult
When perched, note long and slender look and long forked tail. The gleaming white head contrasts with its black back.
© fernando Burgalin Sequeria / Macaulay LibraryAlajuela, June 25, 2017Adult
Small-bodied, long-winged raptor with very buoyant flight style. Often twists tail to adjust position as it flies.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryBolívar, April 01, 1996Not all videos have sound
Adult
Most often seen in flight soaring on thermals with little flapping. Captures and eats prey in flight.
© Brad Imhoff / Macaulay LibraryOhio, August 27, 2019Adult
A crisp black-and-white raptor with a deeply forked tail that soars gracefully over swamps, marshes, large rivers, and savannas with tall trees.
© Brad Imhoff / Macaulay LibraryOhio, August 24, 2019Adult
Graceful black-and-white raptor with long, forked tail and elegant soaring style. Wingbeats are smooth and slow.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryBolívar, April 01, 1996Not all videos have sound
Juvenile
Juveniles look very similar to adults but have a slight buffy wash on their head and breast.
© John Drummond / Macaulay LibraryColorado, August 23, 2017Habitat
Roosts with other Swallow-tailed Kites in tall trees often near swamps or wetlands.
© deborah grimes / Macaulay LibraryGeorgia, July 25, 2017Adult
Builds nests of small sticks high in trees in open woodlands or swamps.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, April 04, 2001Not all videos have sound
Similar SpeciesWhite-tailed Kite
Adult
White-tailed Kites are smaller, without the deeply forked tail seen on Swallow-tailed Kites. Their tail is also white, not black.
© Matt Davis / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 15, 2017Similar SpeciesWhite-tailed Kite
Adult
White-tailed Kites have black shoulders, but lack the Swallow-tailed Kite’s extensive black on the upperparts, flight feathers, and tail.
© DigiBirdTrek CA / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, August 16, 2017Similar SpeciesMississippi Kite
Adult
Mississippi Kites don’t show nearly as much contrast as the white-and-black Swallow-tailed Kite. They are also mostly gray below, whereas Swallow-tailed Kites have a bright white belly.
© Ashley Bradford / Macaulay LibraryVirginia, August 27, 2016Similar SpeciesMississippi Kite
Adult
Mississippi Kites have a gray head and a dark gray back unlike the white-headed and black-backed Swallow-tailed Kite.
© Chris Davis / Macaulay LibraryTexas, June 12, 2017Similar SpeciesMagnificent Frigatebird
Adult female
Magnificent Frigatebirds are much larger with longer wings than Swallow-tailed Kites.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryNayarit, January 06, 2004Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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Species in This Family
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites(Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae)
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