JOHN COSTIN STUDIO

The magnificent Swallow-tailed Kite is a visitor from South America to Florida and other southern US states from March to August each year. Their journey back and forth from South America is a long one: 10,000 miles! The shape of their wing and tail feathers allow them to drift and make very sharp turns, a useful resource for snatching prey from the tops of trees. It is such a great flyer, it can eat its prey while in flight, highly unusual for a bird of prey. This beautiful glider is depicted life size using 4 copper plates. It is also meticulously hand painted with watercolors.