URGENT: Watch for the state-endangered swallow-tailed kite

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March 5, 2009

URGENT: Watch for the state-endangered swallow-tailed kite

The swallow-tailed kite is an endangered-species in S.C. and considered a species of highest conservation concern.
Credit: SCDNR

The public is being asked to report sightings of the swallow-tailed kite, an endangered-species in South Carolina and considered a species of highest conservation concern throughout its breeding range in North America. You call toll free 1-866-971-7474 to report a swallow-tailed kite sighting or fill out the SCDNR form.

Swallow-tailed kites are unmistakable with their narrow, 4-foot wingspan and 10-inch long forked outer tail feathers. The dorsal coloration is black while the head and underparts are white. Average weight for adults is a little over 1 pound, with females being slightly heavier than males.

“The South Carolina Working Group for Swallow-tailed Kites would like to extend its gratitude for all of the citizen science for swallow-tailed kite sightings reported during the 2008 season.” – Laurel Barnhill, SCDNR bird conservation coordinator.

Primary challenges to the swallow-tailed kite are wetland loss and drainage. Specific threats along its migration routes and wintering grounds in southern Brazil are unknown at this time, but significant land use changes could negatively impact the species.

South Carolina’s goal is about 400 nesting pairs statewide. The areas most likely to contain swallow-tailed kites are the Pee Dee and Savannah rivers, Francis Marion National Forest, the ACE Basin and associated floodplains.