The gray-headed kite is a raptor found in open woodland and swamp forests. It shares the genus Leptodon with the extremely rare white-collared kite. It breeds from eastern Mexico and Trinidad south to Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and northern Argentina.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Breeds from eastern Mexico and Trinidad south through Central America into much of the Amazon and Atlantic Forest regions to Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and northern Argentina. Prefers tall lowland to foothill forests, including swamp forests, gallery forests, and forest edges. Often seen along rivers, clearings, and second-growth adjacent to mature forest. Uses high canopy perches and open gaps for hunting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Juveniles occur in several striking morphs that mimic larger raptors, likely deterring predators. Adults often raid wasp and bee nests, plucking larvae with great agility. It shares the genus Leptodon with the extremely rare white-collared kite.
Immature, light morph in Pantanal, Brazil
In Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with slow, deep wingbeats; occasional kiting over canopy gaps
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, perched high in the canopy or soaring above forest. Builds a stick platform nest high in trees; clutch is typically a single egg. Pairs are territorial during breeding, with the male frequently provisioning the incubating female and chick.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, plaintive whistled notes, often descending in pitch, such as a mewing 'pee-oo' carried over the canopy. Also utters short piping whistles during display flights. Vocalizations are sporadic and most frequent in the breeding season.
Plumage
Adult with pale gray head, crisp white underparts, and blackish mantle and wings; tail black with two broad white bands and a white tip. Juveniles vary from whitish to rufous or dark morphs, often with a short crest and bold patterning. Overall appearance cleanly contrasted with sharp demarcation between gray head and white body.
Diet
Feeds largely on insects and their larvae, especially wasps and bees taken from arboreal nests. Also consumes tree frogs, small lizards, caterpillars, and occasional small vertebrates. Uses precise hovering or short sallies from high perches to snatch prey.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, over clearings, and above rivers within or adjacent to mature forest. Frequently forages in the upper canopy, inspecting foliage and suspended nests.
