Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)

Identification & Behavior: ~57 cm (22.4 in). The Swallow-tailed kite is unmistakable black and white with a deeply forked tail. It is more often seen in flight foraging in singles or small loose flocks. No other bird shows a combination of a striking black and white plumage and a deeply forked tail.

Status: The Swallow-tailed Kite is widespread and fairly common in Amazonia and also in the semi-deciduous forest of northwest Peru. It is known to range up to 2200 m along the foothill of the Andes. Its migratory or resident status is poorly understood. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Elanio Tijereta.

Sub-species: Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus yetapa), Vieillot 1818.

Meaning of Name: Elanoides: Gr. Elanus= hawk and oid= like or related to the genus Elanus. forficatus: forficata, forficatus, Forfex, forficis= forceps, scissors.

See more of the Family Accipitridae