Swallow-tailed kites

For me, spring always begins right about half-past March when the swallow-tailed kites return from the tropics.

Spring Wildlife Watching Column: Swallow-Tailed Kites

Seasons change in Florida in such a gentle way that it is easy to miss the subtle clues. Lacking the dramatic leaf changes, deep snowfalls and spring melts of our northern states, Florida requires that her residents listen quietly and watch carefully for the season’s turn. I can offer some clues to help you in this endeavor.

For me, spring always begins right about half past March when the swallow-tailed kites return from the tropics. As I explore central Florida’s natural areas, my ears keenly listen for the high-pitched whistling music of these magnificent birds of prey. I have been known to completely stop what I am doing and joyfully exalt at the aerial display of these brilliantly white and black birds dancing in the blue sky.

Swallow-tailed kites travel to Florida during the spring cycle of their migration. You may have noticed that they left sometime last August or September and have now returned to nest. Their preferred habitat includes areas of marsh, prairie or cypress swamps that are surrounded by open areas with lots of prey. Tall trees are essential for nesting, and most nests are more than 60 feet off the ground. Nesting trees can be hard to locate, especially because these beauties stay aloft for the better part of the day. Built in a cypress or pine tree, the stick platform nest is lined with soft Spanish moss and even lichens to cradle the pair of eggs usually laid.

During this time, both males and females feed on a diet of insects such as wasps, beetles and cicadas. As the young hatch and require feeding, the dietary additions of frogs, snakes, lizards and even other nestlings help to round out the diet of this avian family.

As you hike and play in the outdoors, keep an eye out for this distinctive bird as it soars overhead. Swallow-tailed kites sail over treetops and pluck prey from the branches without a break in flight. You may even see them in residential areas, especially if you are near to orange groves or ranches. The striking black-and-white plumage is hard to miss, and the deep forked tail dramatically provides proof of their name.

My favorite aspect of these incredible flyers is their aerial acrobatics. When they begin courtship, it is breathtaking to observe their flight. Soaring straight up into the sky, they plummet, roll, swoop and dive, often while calling to their mates. Sometimes you even see these fancy maneuvers in tandem, with one bird just behind the other. If you have an area near you where you can observe these birds, I suggest you pack a picnic, some sunglasses and a blanket, then go lie down in the sun and watch the show. After all, this sky dancing lasts only a short time, and then the birds are busy with young. Plus, before you know it, the season will have quietly slipped into summer -- and a whole new adventure awaits!

Written By

Florida State Park Ranger Dorothy L. Harris works at both Highlands Hammock State Park and Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park. At the current time, she is the only employee for Lake June Scrub, but she receives an abundance of assistance from the staff and volunteers at Highlands Hammock State Park. Dorothy also enjoys writing informational articles on the parks for her area's local newspapers, as well as giving tours and programs about the parks for the surrounding communities. The best part of her job is a toss-up between the interesting people she meets and the incredible species she helps preserve. She is particularly fond of the endangered species and their relationship within the scrub ecosystem.

Keep an eye out for this distinctive bird as it soars overhead.