Saturday, August 16, 2008

Swallowtail Kite report

Following is the acknowledgement from a Swallowtail Kite sighting that I just reported. A photo can be found at http://familynaturalists.ning.com/photo/photo/show?id=2007224%3APhoto%3A1061
Report your sighting at http://www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/swallowtail/swallowtail.html .
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Swallow-Tailed Kite
Striking black and white plumage
Long, scissor-like tail
Long, narrow, pointed wings
Medium sized raptor (24" tall, 48" wingspan)
Graceful, gliding, soaring flyers - flaps rarely
Habitat: bottomland forests and open land (fields and cutovers)
Thank you for taking the time to report your sighting.
The Swallow-tailed Kite is an endangered-species in South Carolina and considered a species of highest conservation concern throughout its breeding range in North America. As a conspicuous and easily identifiable species, the Swallow-tailed Kite is an excellent candidate for a citizen-science monitoring program. Because they are striking and awe-inspiring birds, Swallow-tailed Kites may act as a flagship for the conservation of the threatened habitats that they are associated with - bottomland-hardwood forests and grasslands. Thank you for helping the SC Working Group for Swallow-tailed Kites and the national Swallow-tailed Kite Conservation Alliance monitor Swallow-tailed Kite distribution, identify important nesting and foraging areas, and promote conservation of this important species and their habitats by reporting sightings and contributing to the Citizen-Science for Swallow-tailed Kite database. If you have questions about the study or how this information will be used call the STKI Hotline toll free 1-866-971-7474.

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