The Mississippi Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey that breeds in parts of the southern United States. These migratory raptors winter in south-central South America, flying thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds.
Adult Mississippi Kites are grey overall, with darker feathers at the tail and bottom-most underparts, and show paler feathers closer to the head. Adult birds have striking scarlet-red eyes.
Mississippi Kites dine on insects caught on the fly, plus small reptiles, amphibians, and even small mammals. These lovely birds nest colonially, high up in trees.
Here are some interesting facts about kites: Kites belong in the Accipitridae* family of birds of prey. They are divided into two subfamilies. Elaninae kites are sometimes considered to be "hovering kites" and are generally smaller in size. Milvinae kites may... Read more »
