bird · GBIF taxon 2480719
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensisAlso known as Blue Duster
Mississippi Kites spend their summers performing effortless aerial acrobatics, gliding and swooping to snatch large insects directly from the air with their talons. These highly social raptors often nest in loose colonies within suburban parks and golf courses, where they aggressively defend their young from perceived threats. As autumn approaches, they gather in spectacular flocks to embark on a long-distance migration to South America.
MigratoryInsectivorousRaptor
- diet
- Large insects like cicadas and dragonflies, supplemented by small frogs, snakes, and rodents
- family
- Accipitridae
- threats
- Pesticide use reducing insect prey, habitat fragmentation, and nesting disturbance
- life Span
- 8 to 11 years
LC
Nesting adults occasionally dive-bomb people to protect their young; avoid lingering directly under active nests.
- Look Up: Scan the skies on warm, breezy afternoons when these birds ride thermals to hunt.
- Respect Nesting Areas: Give nesting trees a wide berth during early summer to avoid defensive dives.
- Watch the Tractors: Look for them hovering over freshly mowed fields to catch flushed insects.