Everglades Birding Tour: Swallowtailed Kite

I have only seen the swallowtailed kite flying - have never seen one in a tree or on the ground. I don't think I'm the only one as most of their time is spent on the wing. They arrive in South Florida in late January, or early February from Central America.

They are easily recognizable as they are large and have a VERY distinctive deeply forked tail with dramatic markings.

I've seen them swoop down and catch dragonflies on the fly - quite an amazing sight - they eat in mid-air and just keep on going. To return to the Bird List click here.