Though similar, the two species are not closely related, belonging to separate subfamilies Elaninae and Perninae.

In contrast, Vieillot had earlier published the genus Elanoïdes in 1818, containing E. furcatus and E. (f.) yetapa.

In 1823, Vieillot grouped all of the known elanine kites in Elanoïdes: E. furcatus (forficatus), E. leucurus, E. yetapa, E. cæsius (cæruleus), and E.

[6] Both species have deeply forked tails with slender bodies and long, pointed wings.

E. forficatus has the third feather longest; it is notably larger; and its coloration is strikingly pied, being charcoal above and white below.