Top 15 Types Of Kite Birds In Florida (With Pictures)

Highlighting Florida's 15 intriguing kite bird species, this visual guide reveals unique behaviors and adaptations—discover what sets each apart.

kite birds of florida

Florida serves as a habitat for various species of kite birds, each showcasing distinct characteristics and behaviors. Notable among them are the Swallow-tailed Kite, recognized by its striking black-and-white plumage and deeply forked tail, and the Mississippi Kite, known for its agile flight and diet of flying insects. The Snail Kite, with its specialized diet of apple snails, is particularly adapted to Florida's marshy environments. Additionally, the White-tailed Kite uses its sharp vision to hunt rodents in open fields, while the Red Kite is admired for its aerial acrobatics. Each species plays an essential role in Florida's ecosystems, supporting biodiversity. Discover their unique adaptations and the ecological roles they fulfill.

Swallow-tailed Kite

elegant bird of prey

The Swallow-tailed Kite is distinguished by its black-and-white plumage and deeply forked tail. It exhibits exceptional aerial agility, primarily hunting flying insects with remarkable precision.

In the Central South, this species of bird adeptly maneuvers through the air to find food, capitalizing on abundant insect populations. Their mastery in flight makes them a fascinating subject within the diverse avian community of the region.

Mississippi Kite

bird of prey species

While the Swallow-tailed Kite enchants with its aerial prowess, another alluring species, the Mississippi Kite, thrives in Florida's skies with its own unique hunting and flying behaviors.

This medium-sized raptor, spanning about 3.5 feet across the wings, migrates from the southern United States through North America to winter in Central and South America, feeding mainly on flying insects and providing natural pest control.

Snail Kite

bird of prey species

Endangered and specialized, Snail Kites thrive in Florida's marshes. They are uniquely adapted to a diet mostly consisting of apple snails. These birds are found in the dense vegetation of northern South Florida and rely on their hooked bills to extract snails.

As one of the largest conservation concerns, efforts focus on preserving their wetland habitats and managing water levels to support their dwindling numbers.

White-tailed Kite

elegant raptor with wings

Among the bird species seen in Florida, the White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) stands out for its distinct appearance and hunting technique. This medium-sized raptor, with a striking white plumage and gray wings, is another great sight in southern and central regions.

They hover gracefully over open grasslands, using their acute vision to spot rodents, showcasing their unique hunting skills. Monogamous, these kites form lasting pair bonds.

Red Kite

majestic bird of prey

Shifting focus to another remarkable raptor, the Red Kite (Milvus milvus) captivates with its reddish-brown plumage and distinctively forked tail.

Renowned for their acrobatic flight, which includes agile swoops and dives, Red Kites are both scavengers and hunters, feeding on a varied diet from small mammals to earthworms.

Conservation efforts have played a pivotal role in the resurgence of their populations across Europe.

Black Kite

aerial scavenger of asia

The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is a medium-sized raptor with a wingspan ranging between 145-155 cm. It is characterized by its mainly dark plumage and forked tail. Widespread across Florida's diverse habitats, these kites excel in aerial hunting, feeding on small mammals and insects.

Their migratory patterns feature large, vocal flocks, enhancing their presence with distinctive mewing calls while soaring.

Everglades Kite

endangered bird in florida

Everglades Kites, also recognized as Snail Kites, are a specialized species thriving in the marshes and wetlands of Florida. They primarily feed on apple snails, skillfully using their curved beaks for extraction.

Endangered due to habitat loss and food scarcity, conservation efforts are vital. They serve as key indicators of the Everglades ecosystem's health, highlighting the importance of wetland restoration and water management.

Hook-billed Kite

bird of prey species

In the dense forests of South Florida, the Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus) captivates observers with its distinctive morphology and unique dietary habits.

This near-threatened species, with its hooked bill, feeds primarily on tree snails and tree frogs.

Nesting high in hardwood canopies, it lays one to two eggs each season.

Conservation efforts are essential for preserving its specialized habitat and ensuring its survival.

Gray-headed Kite

bird with gray head

Shifting focus to another raptor of interest, the Gray-headed Kite stands out with its rare presence and distinctive gray coloring in southern Florida's avian landscape. Known as the Mexican Black Hawk, it feeds on small vertebrates and prefers wooded habitats like mangrove swamps.

Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this elusive species and preserve their specialized habitat needs in Florida.

Lettered Kite

majestic bird in flight

Although rare and elusive, the Lettered Kite, or White-lettered Kite, remains an intriguing species within Florida's diverse avian population. Recognizable by its dark plumage and striking white markings under its wings, this kite thrives in open grasslands and marshes, hunting small mammals and insects.

Its agile flight and conservation needs underscore the importance of protecting this remarkable bird's habitat in Florida.

Plumbeous Kite

bird of prey species

Occasionally sighted in southern Florida, the Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea) is a medium-sized raptor originating from Central and South America. Recognizable by its gray plumage and white-tailed band, it hunts insects, small reptiles, and amphibians by soaring and diving.

Preferring open woodlands near water, they nest in trees with sticks and plant materials. Conservation efforts are crucial for their habitat protection.

Slender-billed Kite

african bird of prey

The Slender-billed Kite (Helicolestes hamatus) is a relatively rare bird species mostly found in the lush, tropical forests of South and Central America.

They primarily feed on insects such as grasshoppers and dragonflies, capturing them mid-air with remarkable agility.

Nesting high in the canopy, their habitat preference includes dense forests, essential for their protection against predators and the conservation of their dwindling populations.

Cuban Kite

colorful kite in havana

Endangered and elusive, the Cuban kite, also known as the Cuban black hawk, thrives primarily in the dense forests of Cuba.

Sporting distinctive black plumage with a white band on its tail and wings, it nests and hunts in areas rich in dense vegetation.

Due to habitat loss and hunting, this critically endangered species urgently requires conservation efforts to preserve its dwindling populations.

Double-toothed Kite

unique bird of prey

Shifting focus to another raptor of the Americas, the Double-toothed Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey that inhabits the tropical forests of Central and South America.

Known for its unique double-notched upper mandible, this kite feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and sometimes fruits.

They communicate with high-pitched calls and build nests in tree canopies, often demonstrating cooperative breeding behaviors.

Can the Types of Birds Found in London also be Found in Florida?

Yes, some types of birds in London with pictures can also be found in Florida. Birds like the European starling, rock pigeon, and house sparrow can be found in both locations. However, there are also unique species to each location due to their different climates and habitats.

Northern Harrier Kite

bird of prey silhouette

While soaring low over marshlands and grassy fields, the Northern Harrier Kite employs its distinctive owl-like facial disc to enhance its auditory hunting capabilities.

Also known as the Marsh Hawk, this slender raptor uses its acute hearing to detect prey in dense vegetation.

Their unique flight pattern and white rump patch make them a notable presence in Florida's diverse ecosystems.