White-Tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

The White-Tailed Kite is resident (non migratory) wherever it lives. We usually find it in open grasslands where it is often seen hovering in a fixed aerial position. This is where it gets its ‘kite’ name. In the USA, they live throughout much of California, western Oregon, parts of southern Texas, and southern Florida. These birds are declining in numbers. Observers say we’ve lost 36% between 1970 and 2014. Urban and suburban development have had a negative impact on the success of these birds.

Today’s science recognises two subspecies of White-Tailed Kite:

E. l. majusculus lives in North America.
E. l. leucurus lives in South America.

In Poway, where I’m from in San Diego County, there are grasslands south of town that used to host families of these snowy raptors. Alas, the blades of progress seem to have driven these amazing birds from these once productive acres.

17 Photos

White-Tailed Kite - Elanus leucurus — **White-Tailed Kite**
*(Elanus leucurus)*

**Description:**
With prey in talons at the Grasslands, South Poway California. San Diego County.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2012:12:22 16:24

**Location:**

Poway Grove (historical)
Poway, California
United States
531.52 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/4000

**File Name:** D3X9798-WhiteTailedKite

© 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging

Tweet

Pin It — **White-Tailed Kite**
*(Elanus leucurus)*

**Description:**
With prey in talons at the Grasslands, South Poway California. San Diego County.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2012:12:22 16:24

**Location:**

Poway Grove (historical)
Poway, California
United States
531.52 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D3X, 800 mm, f/5.6, 1/4000

**File Name:** D3X9798-WhiteTailedKite

© 2012 Jack Daynes, shadeTree Imaging

Tweet

Click map markers to reveal further information