AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Elanoides forficatus
Swallow-tailed Kite
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Elegant bird of prey, unmistakable for its extremely long, forked tail and high-contrast black and white plumage.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Accipitriformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Accipitridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Elanoides
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Spring
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits primarily swamp forests, riparian zones, and forested areas near wetlands across the Americas.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Gregarious behavior, often observed in flocks during seasonal migrations.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Highly sociable, especially during the breeding season where they may form loose colonies.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Exclusive aerial foraging; intercepts prey through precise, low-level flights.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Carnivore specialized in capturing large insects, lizards, and small snakes directly from foliage without landing.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nesting in tall trees in swampy areas, with both parents actively participating.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
50.0 - 65.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
300 g - 450 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
28 - 30
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Key adaptation: Its deeply forked tail allows for exceptional acrobatic flight, ideal for catching prey on the wing.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Critical threat: Loss of critical nesting habitats and degradation of watersheds impact its survival.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Biological curiosity: One of the few birds of prey capable of eating, drinking, and bathing completely while in flight.