The plumbeous kite is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae that is resident in much of northern South America. It is migratory in the northern part of its range which extends north to Mexico. It feeds on insects which it catches either from a perch or while in flight.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Mexico through Central America to northern and central South America, including the Amazon Basin and the Guianas. Prefers lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, river corridors, and clearings with scattered tall trees. Often seen soaring above canopy gaps and along waterways. Common in second growth and wooded savannas where large flying insects are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The plumbeous kite is a graceful, lead-gray raptor that specializes in catching large flying insects, often snatching them with its feet and eating on the wing. It is resident across much of northern South America but shows seasonal movements in Central America and Mexico. During migration and at favored feeding sites, small groups may form and soar together.
Plumbeous kite in flight
Temperament
alert and aerial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with occasional rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, perching high in emergent trees. Builds a small stick nest high in the canopy; pairs are monogamous and both adults attend the nest. Outside the breeding season, loose groups may form at feeding sites or communal roosts, and small kettles occur during migration.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, whistled calls and sharp, high-pitched notes, given most often near the nest or during display flights. Calls are generally sparse and less conspicuous than many other raptors.
Plumage
Uniform slate-gray (plumbeous) body with slightly darker flight feathers and tail; subtle pale banding may be visible on the tail when spread. Underparts are evenly gray; wings are long and pointed with a narrow, buoyant profile in flight.
Diet
Feeds primarily on large flying insects such as dragonflies, cicadas, beetles, and wasps. Will occasionally take small vertebrates like lizards or frogs, especially near water. Prey is often seized in mid-air with the feet and eaten while gliding, or carried to a perch to be consumed.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, river margins, clearings, and above the canopy where insect activity is high. Frequently perches on exposed snags or emergent trees to scan for passing insects.
