The Swallow-tailed Kite is a strikingly beautiful raptor that breeds in the southeastern United States and migrates to South America for the winter. With its deeply forked tail and graceful, buoyant flight, the Swallow-tailed Kite is a delight to observe. However, with declining populations, seeing one requires knowing the right places and times to look. Here is an overview of the Swallow-tailed Kite’s range, habitat, migration, and viewing tips to improve your chances of spotting this magnificent bird.
Breeding Range and Habitat
The Swallow-tailed Kite breeds in the southeastern United States from eastern Texas east to Florida and north to North Carolina and South Carolina. Its breeding habitat consists primarily of swamps, wooded bottomlands, and pine forests. Kites often nest in tall trees near sources of water such as rivers, lakes, marshes and swamps where they forage. In recent decades, the clearing of forests for agriculture and development has reduced nesting habitat and populations have declined in many areas.
Migration
Swallow-tailed Kites are migratory, spending winters in South America. They leave their breeding grounds in August and September and travel to destinations such as the Amazon Basin regions of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. They return on their epic journey of 3,000-6,000 miles in March through May. Swallow-tailed kites migrate in flocks, often feeding on insects as they travel high in the sky. Migrating flocks can number from just a few to over 100 individuals.
Best Places to See Swallow-tailed Kites
Here are some of the top locations in the United States to observe Swallow-tailed Kites:
Florida Everglades: Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand support good breeding populations. Kites are often seen foraging over wetlands. Prime viewing is May through July.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia): This vast wetland harbors nesting kites which can be seen hunting over prairie marshes and canals from March through August.
South Carolina: The coastal plain of South Carolina holds some of the highest densities of breeding kites anywhere in its range. The Congaree National Park is a well-known location.
Arkansas: The White River National Wildlife Refuge has attracted nesting kites in recent decades. They forage over wetlands teeming with dragonflies and other prey.
Texas: Although declining in the state, East Texas sites such as Temple-Inland Forest and Sabine Woods still support nesting kites. The best months are May and June.
Behaviors to Watch for
Observing kite behaviors can make sightings more memorable. Watch for:
– Hovering: Kites sometimes hover in place while hunting, allowing close study.
– Aerial displays: Courting pairs may perform acrobatic flights and deep dives during the breeding season.
– Swallow roosting: Up to 60 kites may gather to roost together in trees, sometimes mixed with swallows.
– Feeding frenzies: Groups concentrate where flying insects swarm, making aerial feeding forays.
– Vocalizations: A high, squeaky “pee-pee-pee” call is often given in flight. Listen for vocal exchanges at nest sites.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to improve your chances of finding a Swallow-tailed Kite:
– Focus searches in known breeding areas and during spring and summer months when populations peak.
– Scan open skies and trees along rivers, swamps and marshes. Watch for kites alighting on high perches.
– Use binoculars for better visibility as kites often soar very high overhead.
– Listen for calls which may reveal a kite’s presence. Squeaky “pee-pee-pee” notes are commonly heard.
– Talk to local experts and birding groups for recent sightings and stake out productive areas.
– Time visits for early morning and late afternoon when kites are often actively hunting and easier to spot.
Appreciating the Swallow-tailed Kite
The graceful Swallow-tailed Kite symbolizes wildness and freedom as it soars overhead. Never common, sighting one requires seeking out the right habitat at the ideal time of year. The effort expended is rewarded many times over when you experience the thrill of watching this magnificent raptor in flight or engaging in courtship displays. As development continues to impact its breeding range, protected areas take on increased importance for the future of the Swallow-tailed Kite. Whether you are a casual birder or a dedicated lister, a glimpse of this bird in its natural state is sure to be a highlight.
Conclusion
The majestic Swallow-tailed Kite can be observed in the southeastern United States by focusing search efforts in known breeding strongholds during spring and summer months. Key locations include protected wetland areas in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas and Texas. Patience and an understanding of the kite’s habitat preferences, seasonal movements and behaviors will improve your chances of success. For bird enthusiasts, viewing the graceful flight and aerial displays of the Swallow-tailed Kite is an unforgettable experience and helps support appreciation and conservation for this sensitive species.
