deeply forked tail; mostly white body (Panama; 2008-06-21)


Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus

Native Range: North America and Latin America

Notes: a spectacular white-and-black hawk with a deeply forked tail; often seen soaring above swamps, rainforests, or other forested wetlands; no sexual dimorphism.


ventral view; black on tail and trailing half of wings (Panama; 2008-06-21)

perched; black back and wings (Panama; 2008-06-21)

a graceful flyer; note some rusty color underneath (Panama; 2008-06-21)

a striking bird (Brazil; 2007-11-09)

flying right (Brazil; 2007-11-09)

flying left (Brazil; 2007-11-09)