Plumbeous kite

The Plumbeous Kite is a striking bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. These birds can be found in the Neotropical regions, ranging from eastern Mexico down to Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, and even on the island of Trinidad. Some of them migrate to tropical South America during the northern winter to escape the cold.

These kites prefer lowland forests and savannahs, where they build their stick nests high up in trees. They usually lay 1-2 bluish-white eggs. In terms of size, they measure about 33–38 cm in length and weigh between 190–280 grams.

The Plumbeous Kite is predominantly slate-grey, with a lighter head and underparts. Its short black tail is accented with white bands, and its eyes are a striking red. In flight, you’ll notice their long, pointed wings and a distinctive rufous (reddish-brown) patch on their primaries. However, juvenile kites display different markings and lack the rufous wing patch of adults.

Their call is a simple, whistled "si-see-oo." In flight, they move slowly with frequent glides, primarily catching insects right out of the air. To spot one, look for a bird perched on a dead branch with its wings extending past its tail—this is a classic pose for the Plumbeous Kite.