Swallow-tailed Kites

July 2023

Each year Swallow-tailed Kites travel north from South America, with some arriving in Florida February-March. In advance of their annual return to South America, hundreds of swallowtails gather in a pre-migratory roost.

Heading out before sunrise to the roosting Swallow-tailed Kites.

A beautiful sunrise along the way.

Swallow-tailed Kites roosting. By the time of migration many trees become filled with hundreds of swallowtails.

As the morning progresses, swallowtails take flight from their roost.

With a little breeze creating texture on the water’s surface, Swallow-tail Kites will dip to the surface for a drink of water.

Swallow-tailed Kites are very graceful as they glide along.