| | | Swallow-tailed Kite
(Elanoides forficatus)
ORDER: FALCONIFORMES
l FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE ~ February 16, 2009
Osa Peninsua, Costa Rica
Swallow-tailed
Kites drift in the wind and don't need to flap their wings while
flying. To hold a heading or make a sharp turn, it continuously rotates
its tail sometimes to nearly 90 degrees.
We spotted this one from the small motor boat we took on the mangrove tour. It holds a leaf in its mouth as it circles overhead.
|
| | | |