Plumbeous Kite

The Plumbeous Kite (Ictinia plumbea) Read in Spanish

Appearance: The Plumbeous Kite is a small to medium-sized raptor with a length of around 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) and a wingspan of about 70 cm (28 inches). It has a distinctive plumbeous (lead-colored) gray plumage overall, with a paler head and underparts. Plumbeous Kites have red eyes, a hooked beak, and a relatively long, rounded tail.

Habitat: Plumbeous Kites inhabit a variety of wooded habitats, including forests, forest edges, open woodlands, and savannas. They are often found near water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, where they can find prey easily. These kites may also occur in parks, gardens, and agricultural areas with scattered trees.

Behavior: Plumbeous Kites are known for their graceful flight and soaring behavior, often gliding effortlessly on thermal updrafts in search of prey. They primarily feed on insects, small reptiles, birds, and mammals, which they catch in flight or by perching and scanning for prey. Plumbeous Kites are relatively solitary birds, except during the breeding season when they form pairs.

Breeding: Breeding pairs of Plumbeous Kites build stick nests in trees, typically in the canopy of tall trees. They lay 1-2 eggs per clutch, with an incubation period of about 4 weeks. Both parents participate in incubation and caring for the young, which fledge after 5-6 weeks.

Conservation Status: The Plumbeous Kite is not considered globally threatened and is known to have stable populations throughout its range.