How to Identify a Mississippi Kite

   In Memphis it is not difficult to find a Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis). You need but look up. This hawk-like bird looks black against the sun as it soars like a kite in the sky, but it is actually deep gray in color. Berry and I saw one perched on a casino sign one time and focused our scope on it to get a close-up view. It's eyes are very expressive. It has a black mask around its scarlet eyes.

   The Mississippi Kite flies very high in the air, higher than most other birds of prey. Then it swoops quickly to catch insects and small birds.

Mississippi Kite

   Here is how to identify this magnificent bird. It's easy. Note that the tip of each wing comes to a point. In mid-flight the tail of the Mississippi Kite will almost be a perfect triangle. Remember, it will seem to have a black profile in the sky, but you may be able to tell the head is slightly lighter than the body. If you look very closely, you will sometimes notice a small notch in the feathers of the trailing edge of each wing.

   That is a Mississippi Kite. Have fun birding !

Robert

photos courtesy of christopher