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Swallow Tails, Always in Pairs

I always knew spring time had arrived when dad stuck his pointed finger out the truck window saying "Jules, kites!"

Swallow-tailed Kites are an interesting breed found throughout the North and South American continents. They breed in North America roosting in the states of Florida and South Carolina. They winter in Central and South America, feeding on a variety of insects. To add, there are two distinct subspecies of Swallow-tailed kites: one native to Central and South America, the other a visitor to Florida.

A distinctive feature at first glance being their forked tail, an assistant when gliding through the air. Looking up on a hot summer day, driving past open fields close to water and tall pines will produce sightings of one to two. Their habitat in the great outdoors are swamp areas peppered with cypress trees. Plentiful bounty of game snagged from open branches occupy their time. Seldom will you see them perched, a rare treat at best. 

Identification is furthered with the stark white breast and wings with black edging the border of their long forked tips. Flight pattern is unadorned with rapid wings beats, hardly displaying any at all. Their precision in the air is a marvel to watch, I would even say mesmerizing.

Their breeding behavior is monogamous in nature, making a cute comparison for us humans in our own relationships. They roost together in "neighborhoods" or near each other. When migration tingles hit, they congregate in masses before gracing the skies once more.

Truly, a beauty to the shores they grace and a telling sign of changing winds. 


Written by Julia Wiggins
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swallow-tailed_Kite/lifehistory

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