White-tailed Kite was removed from the Review List 11 Mar 1989. White-tailed Kite has been considered a full species (White-tailed Kite) or part of a cosmopolitan group known as Black-shouldered Kite. Records listed below reflect the name in use when the records were reviewed.
One (1982-32) south of Holmwood, Calcasieu Parish on 20 November 1982 (Jim Whelan).
One (1982-05; was 83-1) 3 miles north of Morganza, Pointe Coupee Parish from 4-8 January 1983 (Tom Schulenberg,; Dale Gustin*, Bob Newman).
One (1982-25) on 15-17 Oct. 1982, Pointe Coupee: Blanks; Neil Smith III (AB 37(2).190). Three original black and white photo prints were submitted as documentation for this record. The observer did not include a description of the bird in addition to the photographs. The Round that contained the photographs was lost in the mail during the record's first circulation. Only two members had the opportunity to review the prints before they were lost. Duplicate photographs were requested from the observer, but never received. The photographs were photocopied prior to the record's circulation, but the photocopy reproductions were of very poor quality. Nonetheless, the acceptance of this record was based on the photocopies, and reinforced by the comments of the two members that were able to see the original prints. Both members stated that the photos were "unmistakable" and "leave no doubt" as to the correct identification of this species. The loss of these photographs precipitated the LBRC's policy of photographically duplicating all photographic material prior to a record's circulation.
One (1983-8) 1 mile north of Oberlin, Allen Parish on 18 February 1983 (Tom Kee). Prior to the winter of 1982-1983 there were only three or four records of Black- shouldered Kite for Louisiana, including a pair that bred unsuccessfully in Bossier Parish in 1976. Kites now appear to have exploded into Louisiana. In addition to the records cited above, several other records are pending and there are probably an equal number of reports that have not been submitted to the Committee. There are now several reports of Black-shouldered Kites breeding in southeastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
One (1984-4) at Holmwood, Calcasieu Parish, on 11 February 1984 (Tom Kee); one (84-33) at Holly Beach, Cameron Parish, on 5 November 1984 (Tom Schulenberg; Gary Rosenberg, David Hunter).
One (1985-082) on 21 December 1985, Cameron: Calcasieu River ship channel (Sabine CBC); Cathi Reed and Michael J. Musumeche (ABF card-only).
One (1984-05; was 86-21) at Hackberry Ridge, west of Johnsons Bayou, Cameron Parish, on 16 September 1984 (Donna L. Dittmann; Gary Rosenberg, J. V. Remsen, David P. Muth).
One (87-21) on 22 Jan. 1987, Cameron: Hwy. 82, just E Sabine Pass; J.P. Kleiman, Jeff Greenhouse (Muth 1987, p. 291).
Two (1987-067) from Nov 1987-4 June 1988, Allen: 3 km SE Reeves, T63, R6W, Sec. 31; Rusty Savoie (ph, p. 28). Associated 3 X 5 report card (Richard Martin, Richard Reeves, and Rusty Savoie) says two present 2.5 mi. SE Reeves beginning Winter 1982-83 through Spring 1989, in fallow rice fields and that apparently arrive seasonally in mid-October and depart late May/early June because no mid-June to September records. An additional print shows two White-tailed Kites on 5 November 1988.
One (1987-047) on 19 December 1987, Cameron: Cameron, East Jetty Woods (west, during Sabine CBC); Michael J. Musumeche and Cathi Reed (ABF card-only).
One or two (1988-49; was 89-43) on 17 Dec. 1988, Cameron: along Hwy. 27, from vicinity of west ferry landing at Calcasieu River, to Holly Beach; Charles A. Butterworth, Bill Fontenot, B. Mac Myers III (ABF), David Hunter (ABF), Bruce Tedford, Frederick M. Barry (ph). Kites were observed by three different parties on the Sabine N.W.R. CBC in the vicinity of the W. Calcasieu ferry landing and Holly Beach. Although three or more kites may have been involved, the reports did not adequately address the possibility of fewer individuals moving over a wide area. Three individuals are reported in AB 43(4):98.
One adult (1988-19; was 1988-36) on 7 Jul 1988, Calcasieu: Hwy. 397, 1 � mi. S of Chloe exit off I-10 freeway; Donna L. Dittmann; AB42(5):1300.
One juvenile (1988-23) on 7 Jul 1988, Cameron: East Jetty Woods, 2 mi. S of Cameron; Donna L. Dittmann; AB42(5):1300.
One adult (1988-38; was 89-21) on 13 Oct. 1988, Cameron: East Jetty, 1 mi. S Cameron; Paul McKenzie.
One adult (89-19) on 22 Oct. 1988, Cameron: Hwy. 82, ca 5 mi. W Holly Beach; Al & Gwen Smalley, Tom Kee.
One adult (1988-37; was 89-20) on 23 Oct. 1988, Cameron: "Rutherford Beach"; Paul McKenzie, PES, DV. Purrington (1989, p. 116) reported seven individuals from S.W. Louisiana between 22 Oct. and 27 Nov. 1988; this probably includes LBRC numbers 89-19 and 89-20.
Two (1988-13; was 89-12) on 6 Nov. 1988, Plaquemines: one near Belle Chasse and one near Myrtle Grove; Norton Nelkin, R. D. Purrington. Purrington (1988, p. 116) incorrectly cited the date of this record as 16 Nov.
Two adults (1988-33; was 89-13) on 4 Dec. 1988, Cameron: Lacassine NWR; Charles A. Butterworth, SG (ph).
One (1984-050) on 2 January 1984, Cameron: Johnsons Bayou, Peveto Woods Sanctuary (ABF card-only). There was no description to support the identification and a long form was never submitted.
One adult (1985-07; was 86-5) on 15 Dec. 1985, Caddo: Hwy. 173, SW junction Hwy. 71. This record was considered unacceptable because the description was too brief to support the identification of even such an "unmistakable" species.