The double-toothed kite is a species of bird of prey in subfamily Accipitrinae, the "true" hawks, of family Accipitridae. It is found from central Mexico through Central America into much of northern and eastern South America.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America into northern and eastern South America, including the Amazon and Guianas. Prefers mature and secondary evergreen forests, especially interior and edge habitats. Often uses river corridors, forest clearings, and canopy gaps for hunting. It is most frequent in lowlands and foothills and is generally uncommon in heavily fragmented landscapes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small forest raptor is famous for following monkey troops, snatching insects and small vertebrates flushed by their movement. Its name comes from two small tooth-like notches on the upper mandible. It hunts with quick sallies from high perches in the canopy and is often overlooked due to its quiet demeanor. Despite being widespread, it is sensitive to extensive deforestation.
Temperament
secretive and perch-hunting
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through the canopy
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, often seen quietly perched high in the canopy. Builds a small stick nest high in trees; clutch size is typically one to two eggs. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks or follows primates to exploit flushed prey.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched whistles and squeaky notes given from a concealed perch. Calls may accelerate into short series during displays or when interacting with a mate.
Plumage
Slaty-gray upperparts with a white throat and finely rufous-barred white underparts; rufous thighs and a banded tail with a narrow white tip.
Diet
Feeds primarily on large insects such as cicadas, katydids, grasshoppers, and mantises. Also takes small lizards, tree frogs, and occasionally small birds or bats. Hunts by sallying from exposed canopy perches, snatching prey in flight or from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid to upper canopy of mature and secondary tropical forests. Often hunts along forest edges, rivers, and light gaps where prey is more easily flushed.
