swallow-tailed kite

noun

1. an American kite, Elanoides forficatus, having black upper parts, white head and underparts, and a long, deeply forked tail.

Word History and Origins

Origin of swallow-tailed kite¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

"A swallow-tailed kite," Knight said as the bird dropped suddenly into clearer view.

From Project Gutenberg

The length of the beak would probably exclude from consideration, the swallow-tailed kite that also occurs in the region.

From Project Gutenberg