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Swallow-tailed Kite
Adult--Upper parts blue black, except the head, which, together with the under parts, is white; tail deeply forked. Length--24.00.
Breeding Range--The Southern States, northward along the Mississippi Valley to Illinois; "casually east to Pennsylvania and southern New England."
The nest, composed of sticks, and sometimes green moss, is placed on the topmost branches of a tall tree, usually near water-courses; it is a bulky structure. "Outwardly it measures eighteen inches in diameter, depth twelve inches." (Davie.) 2 to 4 eggs are laid; they are white tinged with green or yellow, with specks, spots, and blotches of various shades of brown and chestnut. Size--1.85 x 1.46.
These birds are said to fight desperately when their nests are threatened, and abandon the nest if it be disturbed. In the southern portion of their range the breeding season probably begins early in April.