Swallow-tailed Kite
This soap is named after the Swallow-tailed Kite, a striking bird of prey native to the Southeastern United States, particularly Florida. Recognized for its distinctive forked tail, the Swallow-tailed Kite is a large raptor that feeds primarily on other vertebrates. It features a completely white head, belly, and underwings, contrasted by black back, tail, and flight feathers. Juveniles closely resemble adults but can be identified by a subtle buff-colored tint on the head and breast.
Photo of Juvenile Swallow-tailed Kite by John Drummond from the Macaulay Library
Swallow-tailed Kites primarily inhabit the swampy wetlands of the Southeastern United States, with breeding populations concentrated in Florida and South Carolina. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to similar wetland habitats in South America. These birds require tall trees for nesting and often select pine forests within swampy areas. While their diet mainly consists of flying invertebrates, they shift to hunting small vertebrates—such as frogs, rodents, and nestling birds—during the breeding season to meet increased nutritional demands.
Range map of Swallow-tailed Kite from allaboutbirds.org
Swallow-tailed Kites nest staring in March in open woodlands usually near an open site in the tallest tree. Both males and females build a nest of sticks and line the nest with lichen and Spanish moss. They have a single clutch of eggs each season and incubate the eggs 27-33 days before they hatch. Hatchlings remain in the nest for 35-42 days before fledging. By early July Swallow-tailed Kites begin to form large colonies to begin migration south.
Swallow-tailed Kite roost picture from Deborah Grimes from Macaulay Library
Swallow-tailed Kites have a variety of vocalizations, including a shrill "klee-klee-klee" call, a drawn-out whistle that slurs upward in pitch, and softer, more drawn-out calls like "eep" or "chitter". These calls are used in different contexts, such as courtship, food exchange, nest duties, and as begging calls from young birds.
Video courtesy of TwinTurboUCF on YouTube
I have been lucky enough to see this species twice in our area, once in Missouri and once just over the border in Alton, Illinois. They are rare visitors to Missouri and may get blown off path during storms to end up here. The one pictured below ended up in Alton, IL, in 2019. I remember bringing all the kids to see it, but they were not as thrilled to be bird watching as I was. We had three Swallow-tailed kites visit Missouri last winter, and both Ms. H and I were able to see them with an enthusiastic group of birders. I didn't get great pictures of them that time but will remember the day vividly!
