RAPTORS
Eagles | Falcons | Hawks | Kites | Owls

KITES

Bird: Mississippi Kite
(Ictinia mississippians)

Range:
Found in the south eastern parts of the US throughout the summer, some remain year round while others migrate as far south as northern Argentina in the winter. Found near rivers and forest, open woodland and prairies.

Size:

Length: Approximately  12-15 inches

Wingspan: Approximately  3 ft

Diet:
Mostly insects, which they capture in flight with their talons and will often eat in flight. Favorites are cicada and grasshoppers and other insects that are known to destroy crops. Will also eat small amphibians, rabbits and even smaller birds. 

Description:

Adults are mostly gray, dark above and lighter below with a very pale grey head. Males and females look similar; males tend to have a lighter head and neck. Both sexes have a blackish tail and underwing. The only falcon like bird with an unbarred tail. Mature adults have red eyes. Juveniles are mottled browns, grey and white, and heavily streaked below.

Natural History:

Amazing flyers, and like most kites, hover in the air appearing to float. Often nest in loose colonies in trees. Nest is made out of twigs and sticks and both parents care for the 2 (occasionally 3) young. The male and female Mississippi Kites share the incubation duties. Each bird usually feeds itself when it is not incubating the eggs.  The population numbers of this species are declining in the southern great plains due to habitat loss but because of its ability to adapt and flourish in urban areas population numbers as a whole for this species are increasing. This species adapts well to many environments and some prefer nesting in urban areas where predators are more scarce. These little kites will aggressively defend nest sites and have been known to occasionally harass humans if they pass by too closely. Although not listed as a threatened or endangered species, Mississippi kites are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Personal History:
Cricket - acquired by NEI in 2009 from the Audubon Bird of Prey Center in Maitland, FL. Cricket will be turning 3 years old in June 2011.

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