Kites

Birds of North America

Accipitridae

Lives, Habitats & Pictures of the Kites

A Swallow-tailed Kite soaring above the open
srub land near Corkscrew Swap Sanctuary, near Fort Meyers, Florida, USA.

There are five types of kites living in North America. All five species are found in the southern states, with some into Mexico. These smaller size raptors acquire their names because of their ability in using the wind currents to their advantage, soaring over the landscapes in hunt of prey.

The Swallow-tailed Kite is the largest member of the group, with the Mississippi Kite the smallest, which also has the most northern range on the eastern parts of the continent. The White-tailed Kite is seen across the southern USA, from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast, and has the most northern range on the western parts of North America. The Snail Kite lives in a small region of the southern parts of Florida. Last, is the Hook-billed Kite, which is found in the extreme southern portion of Texas and into Mexico.