The white-tailed kite and the black-shouldered kite are two similar, but distinct species of raptors found in North America. At a glance, they appear quite similar which can cause some confusion in identification. However, there are several key differences between the two species in terms of appearance, distribution, habitat, diet, and behavior.
Quick Facts
Here is a quick overview comparing the white-tailed kite and black-shouldered kite:
Trait | White-tailed Kite | Black-shouldered Kite |
---|---|---|
Scientific Name | Elanus leucurus | Elanus caeruleus |
Range | Western North America | Southeastern North America |
Size | 13-15 inches long | 13-15 inches long |
Wingspan | About 3.5 feet | About 3.5 feet |
Plumage | White underside, gray back, black wing tips and shoulder patches, white tail | White underside, gray back, solid black shoulders and wing coverts, white tail |
Habitat | Open grasslands, agricultural areas, wetlands | Open woodlands, pine savannas, wetlands, agricultural areas |
Diet | Small mammals, birds, insects, reptiles | Small mammals, birds, insects, reptiles |
Hunting Behavior | Hover and plunge to ground | Hover and plunge to ground |
As you can see, there are certainly similarities between the two species. But there are also key differences in plumage, range, and habitat preferences.
Appearance
In terms of physical appearance, the white-tailed kite and black-shouldered kite share many common traits. They are both medium-sized raptors, measuring around 13-15 inches in length with wingspans around 3.5 feet. They have similar proportions with long, pointed wings and long tails.
Both species have predominantly gray upperparts and white undersides. This countershading helps provide camouflage when seen from above or below. When perched, they often appear hunched over. They have hooked yellow bills and red eyes surrounded by a yellow cere. Their legs and feet are also yellow.
However, there are distinct differences in plumage that help differentiate these two kite species:
- White-tailed kites have black shoulder patches and solid black wingtips. The rest of the upperwing is gray.
- Black-shouldered kites have entirely black upperwing coverts forming solid black “shoulders.” The rest of the upperwing is gray.
- White-tailed kites, as their name suggests, have white rectangular tails with a black terminal band. Black-shouldered kites also have white tails but with grey terminal banding.
The black wing patterns are the most reliable way to visually distinguish between these two species when seen in flight. The white-tailed’s black wingtips contrast with its largely pale gray wings, while the black-shouldered’s solid black wing “shoulders” stand out against the paler innerwing.
Range and Habitat
White-tailed kites and black-shouldered kites occupy different ranges in North America. There is very little overlap between their distributions.
White-tailed kites are found year-round along the Pacific Coast, throughout western Oregon and California. Their range extends east into Nevada, Utah, and western Arizona. They are also found in coastal south Texas and south Florida.
Black-shouldered kites occupy a range in the southeastern United States. They are primarily found from South Carolina, southern Georgia, and southern Florida west to eastern Texas and Oklahoma. Populations can also be found along coastal southern California and in northern Mexico.
The two kite species tend to occupy different habitats within their ranges:
- White-tailed kites most often inhabit open grasslands, meadows, agricultural areas, marshlands, and other open to semi-open habitats at lower elevations.
- Black-shouldered kites occur in more wooded areas including pine savannas, palmetto prairies, swamps, open woodlands, and partially cleared lands.
However, they may overlap in some agricultural areas, marshlands, and savannas in California and Texas where their ranges intersect. The white-tailed favors more open terrain while the black-shouldered tolerates more forested areas.
Diet and Hunting
White-tailed kites and black-shouldered kites are both opportunistic predators. They have very similar diets feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects.
Some of their common prey items include:
- Voles
- Mice
- Rats
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Frogs
- Large insects like grasshoppers
- Small birds
They primarily locate prey by sight while soaring over open terrain. When prey is spotted, they swiftly dive down to plunge onto the target, grasping it in their talons. They usually carry prey to a perch to consume smaller items or transport larger prey back to their nest.
These raptors sometimes hunt cooperatively in pairs consisting of a breeding pair or family group. One bird will flush prey while the other captures.
Breeding and Nesting
White-tailed kites and black-shouldered kites demonstrate very similar breeding ecology and behaviors in North America.
These kites generally form monogamous breeding pairs. Courtship displays include aerial demonstrations of soaring and diving by the male to attract a mate. Copulation occurs while perched, and pairs roost together through the breeding season.
Nesting occurs February through June, varying across their respective ranges. Nests are built high up in trees 20-100 feet above ground. The nests are compact, round platforms constructed from twigs and lined with grass, moss, leaves, or feathers.
Females lay 3-6 eggs at intervals of 2-4 days. Incubation lasts about 28 days and is performed by the female with food brought to her by her mate. Hatchlings are brooded by the female for 8-10 days while also receiving food from the male.
Fledging of the young occurs in 35-40 days. The parents continue delivering food while teaching the juveniles to hunt over 2-3 weeks. White-tailed kites may rear a second brood in the same nest within a single breeding season.
Species Status
Both the white-tailed kite and black-shouldered kite have struggled with population declines at times. However, their overall population trends differ today:
- White-tailed kite numbers dropped sharply from 1940-1980 due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Their populations have rebounded since the 1990s with more effective conservation measures.
- Black-shouldered kites remain rare and have experienced ongoing declines since the 1940s. Habitat loss is the greatest threat. illegal shooting and disturbance at nest sites have also impacted them.
As a result, the white-tailed kite is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List today with stable populations. The black-shouldered kite, however, is Near Threatened indicating its elevated risk of endangerment.
Key Differences
In summary, while the white-tailed kite and black-shouldered kite appear very similar, they can be reliably distinguished by the following key differences:
- Plumage: White-tailed has black wingtips while black-shouldered has all-black wing shoulders
- Range: White-tailed in western North America, black-shouldered in southeastern North America
- Habitat: White-tailed favors open areas, black-shouldered tolerates more wooded regions
- Status: White-tailed recovering, black-shouldered declining
Proper identification is important to track the status and habitat use of these unique raptors across their ranges in North America.
Conclusion
While bearing a resemblance to each other, the white-tailed kite and the black-shouldered kite are distinctive species native to different regions of North America. Key differences in wing pattern, geographic distribution, habitat preferences, and conservation status allow bird enthusiasts to distinguish between these two interesting raptors. Being able to positively identify them aids in tracking populations and supporting appropriate habitat conservation efforts across their ranges.