​Shadow is an adult male swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus). He was found in 2014 in Barbour County, WV, and readily approached humans, leading to the belief that he was raised by people.

Swallow-tailed kites are typically found in Florida and other southern states, including coastal Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This migratory species overwinters throughout much of South America.

Extremely graceful on the wing, swallow-tailed kites eat primarily insects caught in flight. They also sometimes hunt small amphibians, reptiles, and birds. At the ACCA, Shadow's favorite food is super worms, but he will also eat waxworms, mealworms, dubia roaches, mice, and chicks. He is outgoing and friendly, and when one of his human friends approaches, he sings to us.

For more information about this species: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swallow-tailed_Kite

Shadow, waiting for someone to hand him a super worm.