Letter-winged Kite vs Scissor-tailed Kite

In short

The Letter-winged Kite and the Scissor-tailed Kite can be distinguished by their tail and wing patterns. The Letter-winged Kite has a distinctive black 'M' pattern on its underwings, while the Scissor-tailed Kite features a deeply forked tail and lacks the 'M' pattern.

Identification tips

1. Look for the black 'M' pattern on the underwings to identify the Letter-winged Kite. 2. Note the deeply forked tail of the Scissor-tailed Kite. 3. Consider the geographical location: Australia for Letter-winged, Africa for Scissor-tailed. 4. Observe the flight style: Scissor-tailed Kites often glide with a spread tail, while Letter-winged Kites hover more frequently.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small kites, but the Scissor-tailed Kite may appear more slender due to its longer tail.

Plumage

The Letter-winged Kite is noted for its striking black 'M' pattern on the underwings, whereas the Scissor-tailed Kite has a more uniform light gray plumage with a deeply forked tail.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit hovering behavior, but the Scissor-tailed Kite is more likely to be seen gliding with its tail spread.

Habitat

The Letter-winged Kite is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, while the Scissor-tailed Kite is native to sub-Saharan Africa, often in savannas and open woodlands.

Voice

Vocalizations are not well-documented for either species, but both are generally quiet.