FALCONS, HAWKS AND EAGLES—Family Falcon- 
idz 
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE 
327. EHlanoides forficatus. 24 in. 
Tail long and deeply forked; plumage white, and 
glossy black; feet short but stout; bill black, with 
cere and feet bluish-gray. The flight of these birds 
is very swift and swallow-like; at times they circle 
about for long periods, on motionless wings; at others, 
they will be seen swooping over marshes and_ low 
ground; the evolutions they perform during the mating 
season are wonderful to behold, floating, sailing, dou- 
bling and turning, in all imaginable positions, as 
though they were a part of the air itself. 
Notes.—A shrill whistled ‘ peet-peet.” 
Nest.—Composed of twigs, lined with moss and root- 
lets; usually located in the tops of trees at great 
heights; 90 to 125 feet from the ground not being 
uncommon; eggs pale bluish-white, very handsomely 
marked with brown. (1.85 x 1.5). 
Range.—Breeds north to Virginia, Manitoba and Min- 
nesota; winters south of the United States. 
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