A medium-sized raptor with a slender silhouette and strikingly two-toned plumage: the back and wings are pearl-gray, the head and body entirely white, and the tips of the primary feathers black, visible in flight. Its eyes are bright red and its bill black. On the back it has a black patch over the shoulder. It measures 33 to 38 cm. It hunts by hovering into the wind with its wings in a gentle dihedral and its legs dangling, similar to a kestrel.
Behaviour
It hunts mainly small rodents (field mice and house mice) from a hovering flight, dropping in a dive. It also catches small lizards, large insects and small snakes. It builds small stick nests in the tallest trees of the savanna or on fence posts.
How and when to see it
Year round, with greatest activity at dawn and dusk. It is often seen hovering over the open grasslands along the vehicle access routes to the portals.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where white-tailed kite has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where white-tailed kite lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Jurassic Plant - Night Tour
The only carnivorous-plant garden in Argentina and a pioneer in Latin America. A guided…★ 5.0 - Guyra Wild Guides - Birding
Birdwatching tour and photo safari with specialized ornithologist guides. Yamil and…★ 5.0 - SKYVY - Astrotourism
Astrotourism in Loreto, 17 km from the San Antonio portal. Night-sky observation with a…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameWhite-tailed Kite
- Scientific nameElanus leucurus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
Other species of the Iberá
Discover all the wildlife of the Iberá
More than 250 species with photos, profiles and the gateways where you can see them. Map, providers and trip planner. Free, no download needed.
Open Iberá Experience