The Mississippi Kite: A Bird in Flight

The Mississippi Kite is a bird of prey known for its impressive aerial acrobatics and diverse diet. These birds are found throughout North America, with their breeding grounds located in the southern and eastern United States. They spend the summer months in these regions before migrating to South America, mainly Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.

One of the most striking features of the Mississippi Kite is its unique hunting style. Rather than swooping down from a perch or hiding behind foliage, these birds hunt from the air, snatching up small animals like snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, fish, and even other birds as they fly by. Their diet also includes medium to large-sized insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, cicadas, and dragonflies.

When foraging in urban areas, Mississippi Kites often perch on tall buildings, allowing them to scan the surrounding landscape for prey. They are also known to soar through cityscapes, their long, dark tails and red legs and feet making them a striking sight.

In terms of appearance, male and female Mississippi Kites look similar, with males being slightly paler than females. Both sexes have long, dark tails, red legs and feet, and distinctive markings on their wings and bellies. Their primary wings are dark gray, while their secondary wings are white, with black wingtips.

Mississippi Kites breed in the southern and eastern United States before migrating to South America for the winter months. During their breeding season, they can be spotted in New Jersey, particularly from May to July. There are many species of birds of prey that can be found in New Jersey, including owls, hawks, eagles, and vultures.

In North America, Mississippi Kites are mostly found in southern states, while globally, they are more commonly seen in warmer regions. Although there have been accidental sightings of other kite species, such as the Swallow-tailed Kite and White-tailed Kite, in New Jersey, the Mississippi Kite is one of three species of kites that have been regularly spotted in the state.

If you're looking to spot a Mississippi Kite, try keeping an eye out for them while driving or hiking through woodland forests, prairies, dense old-growth hardwood forests, and urban areas. Their ability to soar on the wind and hover in mid-air makes them easy to identify, even at a distance.

Overall, the Mississippi Kite is a fascinating bird of prey that offers a glimpse into the world of aerial hunting and agility. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or simply appreciate the beauty of flight, spotting a Mississippi Kite is sure to be a memorable experience.

Mississippi kite bird in flight