Texas
Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
(L 15" WS 39" Wt 12 oz)
Found in southeast U.S. and much
of northern South America...not
expected in south Texas.
of northern South America...not
expected in south Texas.
Sabal Palm Sanctuary
12Apr2014
Elanoides is from Ancient Greek
meaning kite resembling;
forficatus means forked.
meaning kite resembling;
forficatus means forked.
Listed as endangered in South
Carolina and Texas...decline in
U.S. chiefly due to habitat
destruction and shooting.
Carolina and Texas...decline in
U.S. chiefly due to habitat
destruction and shooting.
© Audubon
Society
Society
© Wikipedia
Accipters (hawks, eagles
kites, etc.) prefers forest to
capture prey with their
talons while falcons prefer
open country and kill swiftly
with their beaks.
kites, etc.) prefers forest to
capture prey with their
talons while falcons prefer
open country and kill swiftly
with their beaks.
(John Reilly)