Unlike the Swallowtail Kite, this species does not confine its food to insects and reptiles but preys on field-mice, chipmunks, rabbits, lizards and snakes. Its method of hunting is not unlike the Marsh Hawk's, crossing the fields with long gliding sweeps, its pearl-gray body and black epaulets conspicuous in the southern sun.
When nesting, one parent will announce a successful hunt by a plaintive whistle and the other will leave the nest, meet its consort, take the quarry with a swift upward swoop from beneath, while the hunter sails away on another quest.
Southern United States, from California and Texas to South Carolina. Rare in eastern part of its range.