The plumbeous kite is a neotropical bird of prey. It is found from southeastern Mexico throughout Central America and most of South America. This beautiful kite makes its home in lowland and middle elevation forest patches, riparian forest, open pastures and savannas dotted with trees. It has also been seen soaring, hunting, and perching in logged woodland, recently plowed or burning fields and mangroves. It rarely spends time in dense, tropical forests.