| Common Name | Swallow-tailed Kite |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elanoides forficatus |
| Type of Report | Rare Species |
| Date of Observation | 05/06/2023 |
| Media | |
| Number Observed | 1 |
| Reporting Observer's Name | Autumn Heil |
| Mailing Address | 35 Libby Ave Gorham, ME 04038 United States Map It |
| Email hidden; Javascript is required. | |
| Date Completed | 05/06/2023 |
| Names & Emails of Other Contributing Observers | Myles Sornborger - |
| Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 43.6425643 |
| Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | -72.4119612 |
| Place Name | VINS Nature Center |
| Township | Quechee |
| County | Windsor |
| Vermont eBird Checklist URL | ebird.org |
| Time of Day | 01:20 PM |
| Length of Time Observed | 10min |
| Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 1000 |
| Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 500 |
| Noteworthy Weather Conditions | Slight wind |
| Optical Equipment Used for Observation | Fujifilm xt-2 70-300 lens |
| Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species | Observing Swallow-tailed Kites in Florida |
| I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event. | |
| Description of Habitat | A large open field surrounded by coniferous woods. Other soaring birds observed in the checklist included Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, and American Crow. Birds seen foraging and flying in the area include Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Eastern Bluebirds, and Tree Swallows. |
| Behaviors Observed | In flight, soaring on thermals |
| Description of Vocalizations | No vocalizations |
| Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation | On a walk in the field in front of the VINS nature store, I observed a medium-sized white bird soaring in the distance which immediately caught my attention because of the distinctly unique tail split and wing shape. I knew it was a unique bird, and on closer observation with a camera and binoculars, I noted the characteristic "swallow-tail", hooked beak, and black wing and tail edges. I identified it as a Swallow-tailed Kite, and after telling my friend group about the rarity of this species, we quickly tried to get as many pictures as possible. It continued soaring for about 5 minutes before disappearing over the tree line. |
| Relative Size & Shape | Medium-sized black and white bird |
| Feet & Bill | Black, sharply hooked bill |
| Upper Back | Black |
| Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts | White belly with black tail |
| Tail | Split black "swallow-tail" |
| IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different? | After going through my mental checklist of native/local species, Osprey, Herring gull, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, and all owls were eliminated from identification because of their distinctly unique shape and features. I have seen kites before and this bird's shape and behavior immediately fell into the category of Kites. |
| This report was written from notes taken: | Immediately After |
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