WillowSwallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
Willow
Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
Willow fractured her right hip in a fall from her nest when she was just eight weeks old. With this type of fracture, surgical repair is not possible and a young bird's bones heal very quickly. Although healing appeared to be complete, it is doubtful that Willow will ever have the strength and endurance required for the lengthy, arduous annual migration to Brazil and back (a distance of over 6,000 miles!) that this species makes.
The tan plumage on her head and chest and the little bits of white fuzz still peeking through on her wings along with the light color of her eyes identify Willow as a juvenile or young bird. The head and chest of a mature bird are completely white and the eyes darken to a rich shade of red.
Insects are a large part of the diet of this species and Willow enjoys eating crickets and grasshoppers from the falconer's glove. We have a wonderful group of teen volunteers who patiently catch wild crickets and grasshoppers in the fields surrounding ARC. When they approach Willow bearing one of these morsels, she excitedly pumps her wings and chirps softly in anticipation of the special treat.
She loves to perch in the sun and at the slightest breeze she spreads her wings wide and "rides" the air currents. Willow will occasionally flap gently and float above the perch for several seconds.
Willow is a joy to work with on the falconer's glove as she sits demurely and almost seems to strike a pose when someone with a camera approaches.
Willow's dark deeply-forked tail, nearly a foot long, is probably her most striking feature. (It is this magnificent tail that enables this species to exhibit spectacular flight maneuverability and appear to "kite" almost motionless for long periods on the wind.) Swallow-tailed kites spend most of their time aloft so it is very difficult to prevent breakage of the beautiful, long tail feathers when a bird must be kept in captivity.
Spotting a Swallow-tailed Kite in flight is a wonderful experience for the seasoned naturalist and budding bird-watcher alike. This bird is the picture of grace, drifting on outstretched wings several feet above the treetops or low over the ground, its tail in constant motion, balancing on air currents. The Swallow-tailed Kite has been called 'God's bird' because only a heavenly overseer can view the luminous shoulder patch on the bird's back that reflects the sky back unto itself.
Willow can be sponsored through the Adopt-a-Bird program.
Call 407-461-1056 or e-mail info@adoptabird.org for details
on how you can make Willow a part of your family!
