A White Tailed Kite on a late evening hunt
A medium-sized raptor that looks very similar to the Asian Black Winged Kite - apparently the names were changed atleast once. It is known for its distinctive hovering flight and gull-like plumage. It is found in open grasslands, savannas, and marshes across western North America and much of Central and South America.
Their hunting technique is famously called "kiting," where they hover in place against the wind, scanning for small mammals like voles and mice. Once prey is spotted, the kite drops swiftly to capture it. I belive it almost went extinct in California due to shooting and egg collecting, but the last few decades, the species has made a remarkable recovery.
Shot this at the Coyote Hills Regional Sanctuary outside of San Franscisco - the bird tried to hunt a few times, but wasn't successful.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves - very much appreciated.
A White Tailed Kite on a late evening hunt
A medium-sized raptor that looks very similar to the Asian Black Winged Kite - apparently the names were changed atleast once. It is known for its distinctive hovering flight and gull-like plumage. It is found in open grasslands, savannas, and marshes across western North America and much of Central and South America.
Their hunting technique is famously called "kiting," where they hover in place against the wind, scanning for small mammals like voles and mice. Once prey is spotted, the kite drops swiftly to capture it. I belive it almost went extinct in California due to shooting and egg collecting, but the last few decades, the species has made a remarkable recovery.
Shot this at the Coyote Hills Regional Sanctuary outside of San Franscisco - the bird tried to hunt a few times, but wasn't successful.
Thank you so much in advance for your views, feedback and faves - very much appreciated.