ID Keys: White underparts and head, gray above with black shoulder
Once considered endangered
in North America, the White-tailed Kite has greatly expanded in numbers and
range since the 1930s. They are heavily dependent upon large populations
of small rodents such as mice and voles, and probably have benefited greatly
from the introduction of the House Mouse to North America. Previously
known as the Black-shouldered Kite.
Habitat
Prefers open habitats with perches for
hunting, and with suitable nesting sites. This includes marshes and wetlands,
farmland, grassland, and prairie.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small rodents,
especially mice and voles. Will also eat other small mammals, birds, and
occasionally snakes, lizards, frogs, and large insects.
Behavior
Hunts in flight, hovering to spot prey,
and then diving to catch it.
Has increased in numbers and range since
the early 20th century, when it was persecuted needlessly by farmers who
thought it threatened their poultry. Now found in areas it wasn't
known historically. Numbers are strong, they are found across a broad
geographic area, and they are common in parts of their range. The
IUCN considers the
White-tailed Kite to be a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information
November 11th, 2015 - Las
Cinegas Natural Conservation Area, near Tucson, Arizona - Terry Sohl
