Photo by L. Page Brown

Adult bird: A long deeply forked tail and distinctive black and white plumage make this kite easy to identify. Head and underparts are white, except for the black tail and primary flight feathers. The back is also black.

Breeding adult: No significant change.

Immature bird: Similar to adult but tail is shorter and primaries and tail are tipped white.

Similar species: Black-shouldered and Mississippi Kites.

Habitat: Wooded swamps, marshes and hardwood forests.

Breeding: In Florida, March - June.

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon

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