![]() ![]() Swallow-tailed kites breed once per year, usually in April. ( Ehrlich, et al., 1988 Johnsgard, 1990 National Audubon Society, 2001) The male lands on her back and drapes his wings over the female, then mating occurs. The female will quickly go under the limb or turn, bending forward with the wings extended. Females and males will approach each other on a horizontal tree limb. Swallow-tailed kites are monogamous, although pair bonds are not necessarily maintained between breeding seasons. ( Hausman, 1948 National Geographic Society, 2002 Weidensaul, 2004 Hausman, 1948 National Geographic Society, 2002 Weidensaul, 2004) The average weight of maled is 441 g and the average weight of females is 423 g, although females may be slightly larger in size. Swallow-tailed kites have a body length ranging from 49 to 65 cm. Juveniles look similar to adults but with slightly streaked heads and underparts, as well as shorter white-tipped tails. ![]() The tail and upperparts are iridescent black, with streaks of green, purple, and bronze. Adults have black wings with white undersides, white heads, necks, and underparts. The wings are long and thin, enabling flight at high speeds as well. The structure of the tail enables this kite to fly well at low speeds. forficatus is the deeply forked swallow-like tail, which distinguishes this kite species from its relatives, Mississippi kites and white-tailed kites. ![]() Range elevation 0 (low) m 0.00 (low) ft.( Ehrlich, et al., 1988 National Geographic Society, 2002 Weidensaul, 2004 Wetmore, 1965) They nest near sources of water in tall trees, anywhere from 18 to 40 meters above the ground. Swallow-tailed kites occupy wooded swamps, open forests, lake shores, and freshwater marshes. Most of the known population is centered in the southern tip of Florida. Elanoides forficatus, otherwise known as the American swallow-tailed kite, is found primarily in the southeastern United States, from Louisiana to South Carolina. ![]()
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