Habitat: In Panama, this species can be found in semi-open areas. Distribution: This species has been reported from southwestern United States to central Panama; northern Colombia to the Guianas and eastern Brazil through Paraguay and Chile. Natural History Notes: With a stronger presence in Panama since the 1960s, it seems that this Pearl kite is colonizing Panama. Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). Characteristics: The total length of this species is 21 cm (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). This small kite species has a plumage mostly dark gray on the above with a cream colored forehead and cheeks. We can also distinguish a white collar. The part below is mainly white with some black patches on the sides of the chest and also a rufous coloration on the sides of the bird.