Nests are built near bodies of water or fields where prey is abundant, usually at heights less than 60 feet off the ground.īoth parents take part in building the nest out of sticks and twigs, which takes anywhere from three to five days to complete. Nesting behavior among Mississippi kites typically occurs between April and June, depending on location. The range expansion of this species has been increasing since the mid-twentieth century, with recent sightings occurring farther north than ever before. It is classified as a migratory bird due to its tendency to move south for winter months and return north during the summer season. The Mississippi Kite is a small, graceful hawk that can be found in the southern United States and parts of Central and South America. Conservation measures undertaken by both public organizations and private landowners help protect important habitat sites used by these birds throughout their range. Mississippi Kites build stick nests high up in trees near water sources where they lay two to three eggs per clutch.īreeding pairs typically remain together all year round while nonbreeding individuals migrate south towards warmer climates during winter months. These birds inhabit open areas such as grasslands, savannahs and pastures where they feed mainly on large insects like dragonflies and locusts, but sometimes hunt small vertebrates like frogs or lizards. They also have distinctive yellow eyes which give them an attractive look. These birds have broad pointed wings and tail feathers that resemble those of other members of their genus Ictinia, such as the Black Kite (Milvus migrans). The adult plumage is primarily greyish or brownish in color with white patches on their heads and chests. Mississippi Kites are medium-sized raptors that can reach up to 36 cm in length with a wingspan of 75 cm or more.
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