South Alabama’s swamps, wetlands and prairies are home to one of the most graceful fliers in the bird world.
The swallow-tailed kite lurks in the tops of trees and soars over open fields. Like their cousins, the Mississippi kites, swallow-tailed kites catch and eat much of their prey “on the wing,” or while flying. They are masterful fliers, able to soar easily and turn on a dime. Swallow-tailed kites can even roll and dive backward in the air to catch insects behind them, according to Cornell University.
“This is a bird that finesses everything,” said Greg Harber, a birder with Alabama Audubon, the local chapter of the national group. “They are truly the ballerina of the skies.”…