From the average daily activity budget, based on field observations and published metabolic rates the average daily energy expenditure of the black-shouldered kite [Elanus caeruleus] was computed to be 98.3 kcal. This agrees well with the observed daily energy intake of the species (99.7 kcal), based on measured daily food intake. Black-shouldered kites hunted from perches (71% of hunting time) and by hovering (29%). The latter method had a 6.9 times higher energy cost per unit time, but was more effective than perch-hunting, as it resulted in 2.5 times more strike opportunities and had a 2.2 times higher strike success rate.