Where does the White-winged Kite live?
Elanus leucurus
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Open the appThe White-winged Kite lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Grasslands, savannas, open woodlands, agricultural fields, marshes, and coastal plains.
Geographic range
Western and southern North America (from California and Oregon south through Mexico and Central America), and much of South America (from Colombia and Venezuela south to central Argentina and Chile).
Preferred environments
Prefers open country with scattered trees or tall shrubs for perching and nesting, often near water sources. Requires areas with abundant small mammal populations.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), occasionally higher in some parts of its South American range.
Where to look
Open Grasslands
Look in extensive open areas with short to medium-height grasses, especially those with high vole populations.
Agricultural Fields
Often found hunting over cultivated fields, pastures, and orchards, particularly where rodent prey is abundant.
Savannas and Prairies
Common in natural savanna and prairie habitats throughout its range.
Coastal Plains
Can be found in open habitats along coastlines, especially in California and parts of South America.
Field tips
- Scan for Hovering Birds. Look for a small, white raptor hovering almost motionless in the air, often at a moderate height. This is its primary hunting method and a strong indicator of its presence.
- Check Exposed Perches. White-winged Kites frequently perch on the highest available point in their habitat, such as dead trees, utility poles, or fence posts. Use binoculars to scan these perches.
- Look for Communal Roosts. In winter or non-breeding periods, check large trees or groves of trees at dusk for communal roosts, which can sometimes contain many individuals.
- Listen for Calls. While not overly vocal, listen for their high-pitched 'kew-kew-kew' calls, especially if you suspect one is nearby or disturbed.
Migration
Mostly resident throughout its range, though some northern populations in North America may undertake short-distance movements or irruptions in response to prey availability. Southern populations are largely sedentary.
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