Black-shouldered kite Elanus axillaris

Small, striking gray and white raptor with black shoulder patches. Underparts white with two black patches on underwing, extending from "wrist" to wingtips. Legs and feet yellow. Eyes are bright red, and dark markings behind the eye end in a sharp point. Hovers over grasslands searching for prey. Perches on exposed branches and dead trees. Common in agricultural areas and around the edges of towns.