The white-tailed kite is a small raptor found in western North America and parts of South America. It replaces the related Old World black-winged kite in its native range.
Region
Americas
Typical Environment
Found from western North America through Mexico and Central America into much of South America, especially in open lowland regions. It favors grasslands, savannas, agricultural fields, pastures, marsh edges, and scrub with scattered trees for perching and nesting. Dense forests and very arid, treeless deserts are generally avoided. In North America it is most regular in California and parts of the Southwest and Texas, with local occurrences elsewhere. In South America it is widespread in suitable open habitats, including prairies and pampas.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small raptor is famous for its buoyant hovering or “kiting” while scanning fields for rodents. In the Americas it replaces the Old World black-winged kite and shows similar striking black shoulder patches. Populations can expand locally during rodent booms, and the species sometimes roosts communally in winter. Its delicate, tern-like flight and red eyes make it easy to pick out over open country.
White-tailed kite hovering.
White-tailed kite roosting.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering (kiting) and buoyant glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, especially during breeding, but may form loose groups around abundant prey and can roost communally in the nonbreeding season. Builds stick nests in trees or tall shrubs, often reusing sites. Courtship includes aerial displays and food passes. Monogamous pairs defend nesting territories.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin whistles and high, squeaky calls, often given during aerial display or when excited near the nest. Not a prolific singer; calls carry over open fields and are most frequent at dawn and dusk.
Plumage
Clean white underparts and tail with pale gray upperparts and bold black shoulder (carpal) patches; soft, sleek feathers with minimal streaking.
Diet
Primarily hunts small mammals such as voles and mice, supplemented by small birds, lizards, and large insects when rodents are scarce. Typically hunts by facing into the wind and hovering before dropping in a controlled stoop onto prey. Will also hunt from low perches overlooking open ground. Regurgitates pellets composed of fur and bones near roosts and nest sites.
Preferred Environment
Open fields, ranchlands, rice fields, and marsh edges where small mammals are abundant. Requires scattered trees, utility poles, or shrubs for perching and nesting near feeding areas.
