Elanoides forficatus

Biological Overview

Habitat
Coast, fields, savannah, swamp, forest, and swamp-forest, mainly living in swamp-forest for high trees for nesting and protection.

Diet
Carnivores and insectorious; eats small vertebrates.

Role in Ecosystem
Highly aerial, carnivores, and specialized for hunting in forest wetland.

Behavior
The swallow-tailed kite is like it has a long-forked tail that works helping it twist and turn through the air. They are famous for eating snacks such as dragonflies or lizards. They even get a drink of water over a pond and take a quick sip without stopping.

Human Impact

Humans have made life tough for these birds because they cut down tall trees that are for nesting and dry up wetlands where they search for food. The birds had many states to live in but today they are left with a few places to stay. The rising sea levels causes saltwater intrusion. Which is declining their population. This is how humans are impacting the Swallow-Tailed Kite population.

Creative Exploration

Snowy white,
Black as coal,
Its plumage might define its soul.
Soaring high like a kite,
Soaring over predators all day and night.
This intense climax and protective nature,
Makes it sacred and precious
Like a chest full of treasure.
They fulfill their journey,
Gathering food and prey.
Cherish these dear birds.
We don’t know if they’ll stay.

Farrah Fritts, Magdalene Williams, Vada Parsons

Book 8