Migration of Swallow Tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) across the Península de Guanahacabibes, Cuba

Abstract

The Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) is one of several species of raptors that passes through Cuba during migration. This paper describes the migratory route of this specie in Cuba. Observations were conducted daily from 06:00 h until 18:00 h from July until November between 2012 –2015. Counts were done in Cabo de San Antonio, in the most western part of Cuba. We detailed the species beginning and ending dates of migration at our site, as well as the raptors counted per hour. Two arrival peaks were observed. The greatest abundances were between 08:00 and 10:00 hr and between16:00 and 18:00 hr. Results suggest that the species migrates through Cuba from mid-July to the end of September with a migration peak in August. The total number of individuals detected per year has been increasing. The largest numbers was observed in 2014 with a total of 2, 841 individuals. The abundance of the specie is related of the climatic variables. The study confirms the importance of Guanahacabibes peninsula for the migratory raptor and constitutes the main migratory corridor of this specie in the insular Caribbean.

Keywords

• abundancia relativa
• cobertura nubosa
• migración diaria
• rapaz
• ruta migratoria.