Field Marks: 23 in. A distinctive, easily recognized bird of prey with long, pointed wings and very long, forked tail. Inhabits wooded swamps of the Southeast and Gulf Coast; often seen near water. Takes flying insects on the wing, and captures other prey feetfirst, in Ospreylike fashion. Migrates in large flocks to wintering grounds in the tropics. Adults have white head, neck, breast, and belly; upperparts black; in flight, white wing linings contrast with black outer wing feathers; tail long, deeply forked. Immatures similar to adults, but show some streaking on underparts and head. Gives a high-pitched "pee-pee-pee" or "eee-eee-eee"; also whistles.
Range: Breeds locally on Gulf Coast from Lousiana to Florida and north to South Carolina. May wander north to Great Lakes and New England. Winters south of United States.