Mississippi Kite Photo Gallery

Adult

Small, slender raptor with narrow and pointed wings and a long tail. Note dark tail in flight.

Immature

Small raptor with pointed wings and a long tail. Immatures have a banded tail and mottled looking wings. Younger juveniles have brown streaking on the belly.

Adult

Slim, graceful raptor with pale head, dark eye patch, and dark gray wings.

Juvenile

Adult

Adult

Slim raptor with pointed wings and long tail that can show a shallow fork. At close range, note striking pattern gray-black-white pattern in wings.

Adult

Pale gray overall with darker gray wings and a black tail. At close range note the red eye and dark eye patch.

Adult

Adults are pale gray below and darker gray above with a long black tail. Note dark eye patch.

Flock

Forms large flocks during migration. Flight style is light and buoyant.

Juvenile

Juveniles have heavily streaked bellies. Note long wings and tail.

Adult

Graceful and buoyant fliers that catch insects on the wing.

Adult

Eats mainly insects, typically caught and eaten on the wing. Often sits on exposed perches and scans for prey.

Habitat

Found in bottomland hardwood forests and in tree-lined areas including windbreaks, shelterbelts, parks, and urban areas.

Flock

Forms large flocks during migration.