American Swallow-tailed Kite

The American Swallow-tailed Kite is a beautiful bird. It is 20 to 25 inches in length and has a wingspan of over 4 feet. Its flight feathers, tail feet, and bill are black while its head, chest and belly are white. As the name implies, its long tail is deeply forked. The immature Swallow-tailed Kites are similar to the adults, but their plumage is duller and their tail less forked.

The American Swallow-tailed Kite spends the summers on the southeastern shores of the United States. They have been spotted as far west as Louisiana and occasionally around the Great Lakes, but are mainly found along the coast of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. They are a migratory bird wintering in South America.

During the breeding season they inhabit wooded swamps, marshes, and hardwood forests. They build their nests at the top of the tallest trees.

Swallow-tailed Kites build their nests at least 60 to 100 feet off the ground and will occasionally go as high as 200 feet. It's usually placed on top of a tall, slender tree in open or thinly wooded areas. In denser areas they will place the nest along the edge of a trail or opening so the birds can approach the nest with ease. Kites may build their nests close to other kites but will avoid other raptors.

The building of the nest is a joint effort with both the male and female activity participating. The nest is large, 15 to 20 inches across and close to a foot deep. It is built from twigs and stems, and lined with strands of lichen and moss. They will continue to add moss during incubation.

The clutch consists of 1 to 3 eggs, and are incubated for 28 to 31 days. The young fledge between 5 ½ to 7 weeks after hatching.

The Swallow-tailed Kite feeds primarily on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and dragonflies, but will occasionally scoop up a small snake or lizard. Their prey is gleaned from the tree tops as the kite flies over a canopy of trees or while making low sweeps over a grassy field. The Swallow-tailed Kite will continue to fly as it consumes its prey, and then scan the treetops for another tasty tidbit. Water is scooped up in its beak and swallowed at it skims the surface of lakes and streams.

The Swallow-tailed Kite is a graceful flier. Its forked tail is often spread, but can open and close giving the bird more maneuverability. During the breeding season, its graceful maneuvers may evolve into aerial gymnastics. It is an awe-inspiring sight.

The Swallow-tailed Kite is mostly silent but will give a high-pitched alarm if the need arises. A 'eee' or 'kee' is repeated several times followed by a hissing whistle.

The Swallow-tailed Kite is not on the United States list of endangered or threatened species, but has been listed as endangered by the state of South Carolina.

Nikon Monarch ATB Binoculars

The Nikon Monarch Binoculars

The waterproof, fog-free Nikon binoculars are perfect for outdoor use. Bright, beautifully defined images are delivered by superior quality, multilayer coated lense.O-ring seals and nitrogen gas provide added resistance to the effects of changes in climate, while the durable design and rubber armoring ensure reliable performance and a comfortable grip, even during prolonged use. Worry-free viewing of the great outdoors.