The Swallow-tailed Kite is one of the most graceful birds in North America, with a striking black-and-white plumage, deeply forked tail, and effortless, acrobatic flight. It eats, drinks, and bathes entirely on the wing, snatching prey from treetops and swooping to the water surface. It was once widespread across the eastern US but is now restricted to Florida and the coastal Southeast.
Habitat
Bottomland forests, swamps, and wooded river corridors
Diet
Large insects, lizards, frogs, and small snakes caught from trees
How common
Uncommon
Recent Swallow-tailed Kite sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Swallow-tailed Kite? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free