In the mid-1900s, Mississippi Kite populations fell into decline. Recently, biologists counted an enormous flock, estimated at 10,000 individuals, on northward-bound migration at Fuerte Esperanza, Argentina. Apart from the typical threats to raptors everywhere – habitat loss, hunting, poisoning, collisions with vehicles, and electrocution on power lines – migratory birds must brave hurricanes, blizzards, and other extreme weather, exhaustion, starvation and disease, which can spread quickly when large groups of birds concentrate in one area.ĭuring migration, Mississippi Kites often travel among mixed flocks of other migrant raptor species, including Plumbeous Kites, Swainson's and Broad-winged hawks, and Turkey Vultures. Though it might sound luxurious to have a winter and summer home, life for migratory species is difficult indeed. The Mississippi Kite is a long-distance migrant, meaning it travels very far to get from its wintering grounds to its breeding grounds, and back. All Mississippi Kites have pointed wings and are considered to be quite graceful in flight. Young birds are distinguished by the bands on their tails and heavily streaked bodies. Both the male and female are very similar in appearance and have overall gray bodies with dark gray tails and outer wings and lighter gray heads and necks. Though not as colorful as an Ornate Hawk-eagle, the Mississippi Kite is nevertheless a lovely little raptor.
Mississippi Kites would definitely make very nice neighbors! What they do Within its breeding range, it has even been seen in wooded suburban neighborhoods. The Mississippi kite lives mainly at lower elevations and can be found in a variety of habitats, including riparian forest, open woodland, and prairies. In winter, it makes the long journey south, migrating through Central America and South America all the way to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Found in the Americas, this lovely kite spends its summers in the southern and eastern United States and breeds in such states as Kansas, Illinois, Arizona, and even recently as far north as New Hampshire and Connecticut. The Mississippi Kite, like migratory species everywhere, has a winter and summer home. We also supply literature to researchers from our avian research library, which helps scientists around the world gather and share important information on raptor conservation. Though The Peregrine Fund does not work directly with Mississippi Kites, our efforts in scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development help conserve raptors on a global scale. The Mississippi Kite has a high-pitched, two-note call that sounds almost like a whistle.Lightweight bodies help give kites a buoyant, graceful flight. While Mississippi Kites and Peregrine Falcons are similar in body length and wingspan, the Peregrine Falcon can weigh up to three times more.
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