The Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus forficatus) is a Neotropical- Nearctic migratory raptor that has exhibited severe declines throughout its entire breeding range. Once breeding in as many as 21 states a century ago, it now nests in only seven southeastern states, and probably no more than 5,000 individuals remain at the end of each nesting season (Meyer 1995). Although population declines appear to have leveled in recent decades, this species is on the Partners In FlightÕs Watchlist and is designated as an extremely high priority species in need of conservation attention. In Alabama, it was recently assigned a Priority 2 designation (High Conservation Concern) based on its low relative abundance, locally clumped distribution, specialized habitat requirements, and potential threats of disturbance or destruction to its breeding and communal roost locations (Soehren 2004).
Author: Eric C. Soehren
Volume Number: 50 Year Published: 2004
Issue Number: 2
Page Number: 35
Link to article: http://birdlife.aosbirds.org/2004/Vol 50 No.2_2004_p35-43.pdf
Link to the full issue of BirdLife: http://birdlife.aosbirds.org/2004/Vol 50 No.2_2004.pdf
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