The 10-year migration count trends for the Swallow-tailed Kite suggest primarily increasing counts, with 83% of count sites reporting an increase for this species, with the remaining 16% of sites recording a stable count (n=6). The one site reporting stable counts was located in the Gulf region, while the remaining five sites reporting increasing counts were spread across the Gulf and Eastern region (see pie charts and trend maps below).

The Swallow-tailed Kite overwinters in South America, but USGS Breeding Bird Survey data suggest an overall increase in population at Gulf Region breeding grounds over the last decade (2009-2022). Additionally, eBird abundance data from 2012-2022 has documented an increase in Swallow-Tailed Kite detections in the northern part of the species range. Sightings are increasing at count sites and in eBird database in the Eastern Region suggesting possible range expansion may be occurring. The data reports a median increase of 24% for Swallow-Tailed Kite abundance in the United States.

The greatest threat to this species is loss and degradation of nesting, foraging and roosting habitat due to land development. Further threats may occur during their water crossing migration from Florida to South America and in wintering areas in South America. Climate change impacts on storm frequency may be a future issue. In Florida, the center of species abundance, it is one of the most highly ranked species for management attention. There are no formal management listings by state or federal agencies except in South Carolina, where the species is listed as Endangered. Other threats may include contaminants and human persecution.