kite

Any of a group of birds of prey found in all parts of the world. Kites have long, pointed wings and, usually, a forked tail. There are about 20 species. (Family Accipitridae, order Falconiformes.)

North America has five species, including the American swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficartus) of the southeastern US, which catches insects in flight as well as dropping down on snakes and lizards.

The red kite (Milvus milvus), found in Europe, has the characteristic forked tail and narrow wings, and is about 60 cm/2 ft long.