The White-tailed Kite is often found near highways and open spaces, hovering in search of prey. It is 15-17 inches in length and almost completely monochromatic. The back and wings are grey, while the underparts, neck, nape and head are snowy white. The shoulders are marked with distinct black blotches. The beak is black with a yellow base, their eyes red and their legs yellow. The immatures are colored as the adults save but they are marked with brown.
They may be found in wetlands and open spaces, and nest in trees near their habitat. The nests are 15-60 feet above the surface. 3-6 white eggs, marked heavily with brown, are laid and incubated by the female for 30 days. The male captures food and brings it to the female but the female feeds the young. In 5-6 weeks the young will leave the nest.
The kite will eat rodents, lizards and insects as well as the occasional bird. Prey is captured by hovering and soaring in air, searching for the prey. When prey is spotted the kite will pause in midair and dive upon the victim.
The White-tailed Kite is scarce in America. In California it is uncommon; in Texas and Florida it is rare. It also resides in Mexico and parts of South America as well as the Bahamas and the West Indes.
