Elanet

Elanet (Elanus), a genus of Falconidæ, allied to the Kites, which they resemble in many of their characters; but from which they differ in having the short tarsi half covered with feathers, and the claws, except that of the middle toe, rounded beneath. The tail is very little forked. One species (E. melanopterus) is common in Africa from Egypt to the Cape of Good Hope, and is found also in India. Another species is the Black-shouldered Hawk (E. dispar) of America, the northern limit of which appears to be South Carolina. Both of these feed chiefly on insects, which they catch on the wing, but they also prey on small birds and reptiles.