Immature © Chris Barnes
Immature © Michael Rutkowski
Adult © Matteo Grilli
Immature © Dean LaTray

Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura

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Identification

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Uncommon, inconspicuous raptor with a fairly small bill. Adult has a pale head and reddish underparts with black streaks on neck. Juvenile has a more reddish head with less streaking. In flight, tail has obvious square corners with a dark band at the base. Sails over forest woodland habitats just above the tree canopy, typically with little wing movement. Occurs singly or in pairs. At a distance, and particularly when heavily worn, take care to identify juvenile birds from Black Kite, which has more uniformly patterned plumage.

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