Mississippi Kite Photo Gallery
Adult
Small, slender raptor with narrow and pointed wings and a long tail. Note dark tail in flight.
© Don Danko / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, May 18, 2019Immature
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.
© Chris Dennard / Macaulay LibraryFlorida, July 01, 2016Adult
Slim, graceful raptor with pale head, dark eye patch, and dark gray wings.
© Benjamin Clock / Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, June 19, 2010Not all videos have soundAdult
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.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryAugust 09, 1997Not all videos have soundAdult
Pale gray overall with darker gray wings and a black tail. At close range note the red eye and dark eye patch.
© Byron Stone / Macaulay LibraryTexas, May 12, 2015Adult
Adults are pale gray below and darker gray above with a long black tail. Note dark eye patch.
© Mike Austin / Macaulay LibraryTexas, June 18, 2020Flock
Forms large flocks during migration. Flight style is light and buoyant.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryTexasNot all videos have soundJuvenile
Juveniles have heavily streaked bellies. Note long wings and tail.
© Andrew Spencer / Macaulay LibraryColorado, August 16, 2020Adult
Graceful and buoyant fliers that catch insects on the wing.
© Marky Mutchler / Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, August 20, 2017Adult
Eats mainly insects, typically caught and eaten on the wing. Often sits on exposed perches and scans for prey.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryAugust 09, 1997Not all videos have soundHabitat
Found in bottomland hardwood forests and in tree-lined areas including windbreaks, shelterbelts, parks, and urban areas.
© Matt Brady / Macaulay LibraryLouisiana, May 16, 2014Flock
Forms large flocks during migration.
© Nick Bayly (SELVA) / Macaulay LibraryBocas del Toro, September 12, 2017Compare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites(Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae)
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.