White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) [XC16448]
by from Barreiros, Pernambuco State, Brazil (song)
White-collared Kite (Leptodon forbesi) [XC124800]
by Sidnei Dantas from Pernambuco, Brazil (song)
Subspecies
Until recently considered a variant immature plumage of Grey-headed Kite (Leptodon cayanensis), but specimens of both adult and immature birds collected in Alagoas (north-eastern Brazil) fit type description and confirm validity of the species.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Very similar to more widely distributed Grey-headed Kite (Leptodon cayanensis) from which differs on white head and leading edge to wings and white underwing coverts. Light-morph, juvenile Grey-headed Kite (Leptodon cayanensis) are browner above and have black crowns (grey in intermediate stages of first pre-basic moult), and feathers in the upperside have dark tips. In White-necked Hawk (Buteogallus lacernulatus) whose primaries reach tail tip on perched birds. They soar in a strong dihedral and show a dark band on the trailing edge to the wings. Mantled Hawk (Pseudastur polionotus) which have shorter tails almost completely white, and broader, more pointed wings show a noticeable white trailing edge. The ubiquitous Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) which has pointed wings and a multi-banded tail pattern. Wings reach tail tip in perched birds, and the sides of the head are slate-coloured.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet