The kite is then removed from the can and a falconer’s hood is placed over the birds head, again reducing stress on the bird while the team finishes attaching the backpack transmitter. In this image you can see the details of the kite’s talons. Swallow-tailed kites capture flying insects, and take larger prey during nesting that includes tree frogs, snakes, lizards and even baby birds. All this is done “on the wing”, meaning the bird does not land to capture prey or to feed on its prey.