The small object you see hovering over an open field on a sunny day could be a kite – but not the multi-colored, ribbon-tailed kind that are usually attached to a child by a string. several species of kites (the feathered kind) are native to north america. these delicate raptors have long, tapered wings and weak legs. the birds are capable fliers and prefer soaring to perching. four species of kite live in the united states.
White-tailed kite (elanus leucurus) native to grasslands and savanna in the western united states, the white-tailed kite has white plumage and a long, wedge-shaped tail. the bird also has black spots on the underside of its wings and red eyes. white-tailed kites can be identified from a distance by their habit of hovering over a field in search of small mammals. these raptors were driven nearly to extinction in the 1930s and 40s due to hunting and egg-collecting. since then, their population has recovered, but their range is still irregular. the kites can be found in some areas of central and southern california, southern texas, and eastern mexico. during the breeding season, white-tailed kites nest in trees. in the non-breeding season, however, these birds have been observed roosting with up to 100 other white-tailed kites.
Swallow-tailed kite (elanoides forficatus) the swallow-tailed kite is native to the south-eastern part of the united states. this striking bird has a deeply-forked black tail, black flight feathers, and a bright white belly, head, and wings. unlike the white-tailed kite, swallow-tailed kites prefer the moist forested swamplands of the american south to the drier, more open california grasslands. the bird’s diet consists of small amphibians and reptiles, small birds and their eggs, and large insects such as grasshoppers and moths. these birds can also be seen skimming the surface of a pond for a drink. swallow-tailed kites are listed as endangered in the state of south carolina and are considered rare in neighboring georgia. scientists believe that the declines in kites in these states result from habitat loss.
Mississippi kite (ictinia mississippiensis) like the white-tailed kite and the swallow-tailed kite, the mississippi kite has contrasting light and dark plumage. the bird’s head and belly are soft gray, with darker gray tail and wing feathers. mississippi kites are acrobatic in flight, and their diet consists mostly of large insects that they catch in mid-air. farmers are happy to see these birds circling their crops because they help control plant-eating pest insects such as grasshoppers and cicadas. these kites will also eat small mammals, reptiles, and birds. mississippi kites breed in the central and southern part of the united states, but their breeding range has recently expanded northward into new england. these birds nest in colonies in trees.
Snail kite (rostrhamus sociabilis) the snail kite is the only kite in the united states with entirely dark plumage. like their name suggests, snail kites feed primarily on snails and other mollusks. these birds are found only in southern florida in the united states, and the population native to the everglades is locally endangered. outside florida, however, these birds have a wider range in south america and the caribbean.
