WHITE-TAILED KITE. 
328. Elanus leucurus. 16 inches. 
This species may be recognized by its light bluish gray 
mantle, black shoulders and white tail. It is a very active 
and graceful bird, feeding upon insects and reptiles, and 
small birds and mammals. 
Nest. —Is usually made of sticks, weeds and leaves, placed 
well up in oaks- or in willows beside the rivers. The eggs 
are creamy white, profusely blotched and spotted with reddish 
brown (1.65 x 1.25). 
SWALLOW-TAIL KITE. 
327. Elanoides forficatus. 24 inches. 
This most beautiful Kite can never be mistaken for any 
other; its whole head, neck and underparts are snowy white, 
while the back, wdngs and tail are a glossy blue black, the tail 
being long and deeply forked; feet short, but stout; bill black, 
with cere and feet bluish gray. 
Nest. —As a rule is placed in the tallest trees, live oaks or 
pines, and is made of twigs which it picks from the ground 
while in flight, lining the nest with rootlets and moss; two, 
or rarely three eggs, bluish w r hite, spotted with brown (1.80 x 
1.50). 
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