The taxonomic status of the white-tailed kite
The Wilson Bulletin
By: W.S. Clark and R.C. Banks
Links
- Document: Report (pdf)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
The White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) of the Americas has been merged with the Black-shouldered (or Black-winged) Kite (E. caeruleus) of the Old World and the Australian Black-shouldered Kite (E. axillaris) by North American authorities (but not elsewhere), primarily because of similarity in plumage. However, American kites differ from Old World kites in greater size and weight, in proportions (relatively longer tail and smaller bill and feet), plumage pattern (particularly of juveniles), and in behavior. Here we argue that these characters are sufficiently distinctive to warrant recognition of E. leucurus at the species level.
Suggested Citation
Clark, W., Banks, R., 1992, The taxonomic status of the white-tailed kite: The Wilson Bulletin, v. 104, no. 4, p. 571-579.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | The taxonomic status of the white-tailed kite |
| Series title | The Wilson Bulletin |
| Volume | 104 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Year Published | 1992 |
| Language | English |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 571-579 |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Wilson Bulletin |
| First page | 571 |
| Last page | 579 |