A David Mead original from Raptors of the World, published by Christopher Helm as a Handbook (2001) and a Field Guide (2005).

PLATE 14 in Handbook (Field Guide plates 16 & 17)

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus
SE USA, Central and South America

Pearl Kite Campsonyx swainsonii
Central and South America

Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus
Central and South America

Rufous-thighed Kite Harpagus diodon
South America

ABOUT THE BIRDS The elegant Swallow-tailed Kite catches and eats insects and other small prey in flight, and even drinks on the wing as it skims over water. The world’s smallest kite, the Pearl Kite is powerful for its size. With its dashing flight, it resembles a falcon as it pounces on insects and small lizards.

The Double-toothed Kite is named after the notches on its bill, which are probably used for dismembering prey. It hunts in forests, taking mainly lizards and large insects. The Rufous-thighed Kite, which looks remarkably like the Bicoloured Hawk (plate 50), is an example of a weaker species deceiving predators by mimicking a more aggressive raptor.

Medium Gouache on tinted acrylic gesso
Image size 8in x 12in (20cm x 30cm)