Swallow-Tailed Kite

Recognition
In flight, all kites are recognized by their forked tails. This bird appears to be black and white in color. The head, chest and belly are white and the back, tail and wings look black. The wingspan is about 2 feet.

Where seen
Seen over recent years soaring around the Fox Moor Plaza.

Jimmy’s notes
Generally only seen in spring when they are on migration.  In the air, recognized by the dark forked tail and the inner edges of the wing which are also black. The fork in the tail is quite pronounced.

These birds appear rarely to flap their wings in flight and use their tails as a rudder to control direction.