White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)

The White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) is a moderately-sized member of the Accipitridae family, known for its ghostly white raptor that hovers like a kite. Along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, this species is a year-round resident, frequenting the open grasslands and marshes that characterize much of northwestern Oklahoma's diverse landscape. The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet, Oklahoma, serves as one of the premier locations for observing this species in the Central Flyway corridor.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Scientific Name	Elanus leucurus
Family	Accipitridae (Raptors)
Size	9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams)
Habitat	Open grasslands and marshes
Diet	Rodents caught after hovering
Seasons in Oklahoma	Year-round
Conservation Status	Least Concern

Identification Guide

When identifying the White-tailed Kite in the field, look for the ghostly white raptor that hovers like a kite. This species measures approximately 9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams). In the open grasslands and marshes habitats typical of northwestern Oklahoma, careful observation will reveal the distinctive features that separate this species from similar birds in the area.

Physical Description

The White-tailed Kite presents ghostly white raptor that hovers like a kite, making it a commanding presence in Oklahoma skies. This species belongs to the raptors group and shares the open grasslands and marshes with several related species, though careful observation reveals the unique characteristics that make the White-tailed Kite unmistakable.

The White-tailed Kite feeds primarily on rodents caught after hovering, and observing feeding behavior can be an excellent identification tool. Watch for this species foraging in open grasslands and marshes throughout the Salt Plains region and surrounding areas of the Central Flyway.

Tips for Field Identification

Males and females may differ in appearance, so familiarizing yourself with both plumages will improve your identification success rate during visits to the Central Flyway.

Key field marks to look for include:

Size and shape: 9-14 inches (23-36 cm) in length, weighing approximately 3-10 ounces (85-280 grams), with a build typical of raptors
Distinctive features: Ghostly white raptor that hovers like a kite
Behavior: Watch for feeding activity in open grasslands and marshes
Voice: Listen for this species' characteristic calls, which are often the first indication of its presence in dense habitat

Habitat and Range Along the Central Flyway

The Central Flyway stretches from the Arctic tundra of Canada through the Great Plains of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond into Central and South America. Oklahoma sits at a critical juncture in this migratory corridor, and the White-tailed Kite takes full advantage of the state's open grasslands and marshes during its year-round residence.

In northwestern Oklahoma, the White-tailed Kite primarily inhabits open grasslands and marshes. The unique geography of the Salt Plains region, where the Great Salt Plains create a mosaic of salt flats, shallow wetlands, grasslands, and wooded riparian corridors, provides exceptional habitat diversity that supports the White-tailed Kite alongside hundreds of other bird species.

The White-tailed Kite's range along the Central Flyway extends through the heart of the Great Plains, with Oklahoma representing a core part of its permanent range.

Seasonal Presence in Oklahoma

As a year-round resident of the Central Flyway region, the White-tailed Kite can be observed in all seasons across northwestern Oklahoma. Their consistent presence makes them one of the more reliable species to encounter during any birding trip to the Salt Plains area. Seasonal behavioral changes, from breeding displays to winter flocking, add variety to observations throughout the year.

Migration Patterns

While the White-tailed Kite is a year-round resident in Oklahoma, local movements do occur in response to weather conditions and food availability. During particularly harsh winters, some individuals may shift southward within the state, while the arrival of spring can trigger short-distance movements to optimal breeding territories within the Central Flyway region.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

The White-tailed Kite sustains itself on rodents caught after hovering, a diet well-suited to the resources available in open grasslands and marshes throughout the Central Flyway. In the Salt Plains region of northwestern Oklahoma, this species has adapted its foraging strategies to take advantage of the unique combination of habitats available.

As a raptor, the White-tailed Kite occupies an important position in the food chain of the Central Flyway ecosystem. Its hunting strategies have evolved to be highly efficient in the open landscapes of northwestern Oklahoma, where visibility and space allow for effective pursuit of prey.

Seasonal changes in food availability influence the White-tailed Kite's diet throughout the year. During spring and summer, increased insect populations often supplement the diet, while fall and winter may see a greater reliance on seeds, berries, or other seasonal food sources available in the region.

Conservation Status

The White-tailed Kite is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable and healthy population across its range. In the Central Flyway, this species benefits from the protected habitats at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and other conservation lands throughout northwestern Oklahoma. However, ongoing habitat management and monitoring remain important to ensure this species continues to thrive in the region.

Threats and Challenges

The primary threats facing the White-tailed Kite in the Central Flyway include:

Habitat loss and fragmentation: Conversion of open grasslands and marshes to agricultural or developed land reduces available habitat
Climate change: Shifting weather patterns may alter the timing of migration and availability of food resources
Human disturbance: Recreational activities near sensitive habitats can disrupt feeding and nesting behaviors
Pesticide exposure: Agricultural chemicals can reduce insect prey populations and cause direct toxicity

Conservation Efforts in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's network of wildlife refuges, state parks, and conservation areas provides essential protected habitat for the White-tailed Kite and many other Central Flyway species. Key conservation initiatives include:

Ongoing habitat management at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge (580-626-4794)
Water level management to maintain optimal wetland conditions
Grassland restoration programs throughout northwestern Oklahoma
Citizen science programs including Christmas Bird Counts and breeding bird surveys
Educational programs at Great Salt Plains State Park (580-626-4731)

Best Viewing Locations

For birders hoping to observe the White-tailed Kite along Oklahoma's Central Flyway, these locations offer the best opportunities:

1. Washita National Wildlife Refuge

This area provides suitable open grasslands and marshes habitat for the White-tailed Kite and is worth exploring during year-round when this species is present in the Central Flyway region. Check local conditions before visiting and respect all posted regulations to help protect wildlife habitat.

2. Canton Lake

Canton Lake offers diverse aquatic and grassland habitats that support the White-tailed Kite during its time in the Central Flyway. The lake's varied shoreline and surrounding uplands provide multiple viewing angles and habitat types for birders to explore.

3. Alabaster Caverns State Park

4. Boiling Springs State Park

5. Glass Mountains

Birding Tips for Observing the White-tailed Kite

Best time of day: Early morning hours typically offer the most active viewing, especially during winter months
Equipment: A quality pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) is essential, and a spotting scope can be helpful for detailed observation
Patience: Allow time for the bird to exhibit natural behaviors
Respect wildlife: Maintain appropriate distances and avoid disturbing nesting or roosting birds
Record your sightings: Report observations to eBird to contribute to scientific knowledge of the White-tailed Kite in the Central Flyway

Related Species

Other raptors you may encounter while birding in the Central Flyway:

This guide is part of the CherPub Central Flyway Bird Guide series, covering all 312+ bird species documented at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge and throughout Oklahoma's Central Flyway corridor. For more information about birding in northwestern Oklahoma, visit Salt Plains NWR or contact the refuge at 580-626-4794.