This graceful raptor has an innocent-looking plumage but its menacing red eyes reveal a devil in angel's clothing. This species was formerly very rare and several studies in the 1930's predicted its certain extinction. Since then, the species has bounced back, and is more common and widespread than ever. This recovery occurred without the benefit of any specific human effort and speaks to the resiliency of this bird.
Formerly lumped with the Black-shouldered Kite (E. caeruleus) of Eurasia and Africa, this American species is larger with much longer tail, paler mantle, and has a black carpal patch on its underwing. They also differ in hunting style, with the Black-shouldered Kite usually hunting from a perch, while the White-tailed hunts almost exclusively by hovering. However both capture prey by raising their wings high over their back and dropping to the ground feet first.
Two races are currently recognized with the smaller nominate race found in South America. The English name Black-shouldered Kite is sometimes applied to the recently split Australian Kite (E. axillaris). Under this arrangement, the Eurasian birds are called Black-winged Kite.
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