Thinking of the Mississippi Kite, one may visualize the sign of Batman and immediately think of that familiar call or whistle, "phee-phew! phee-phew! phee-phee!"
This migratory hawk of the south, as well as a growing northern spread is known by a number of colloquial names all over the southern states and beyond. Some of these monikers, like the Square-tailed Kite, Locust Kite, Blue Darter, Grasshopper Hawk, American Kite, and others that bear a fictional status, like Pigeon Hawk, Rabbit Hawk, Blue Snake-Hawk form no bearing whatsoever on this insect consumer.
Though uncommon and local, the Locust Kite is often discovered where large trees are found in open areas including riparian corridors. They forage high in the air seeking locusts, large beetles, cicadas, dragonflies and the like, and form small flocks during their slightly later migration. As time goes, on they will be looking for more northern venues that suit them outside normal breeding ranges due to the rapid march of extreme heat.
Mississippi Kite Foraging
The Blue Darter is usually in central Oklahoma by late April to nearly mid May, and this is expected to be later as time goes on. These South American migraters generally take three routes into the country. The may choose across the Gulf of Mexico via the Yucatan, the Caribbean jaunt (across the islands), and the overland sprint, through Mexico and Central America.
Our beloved Grasshopper Hawk has most likely chosen his mate while still within the heart of South America. Pairs likely mate for life, as they return to former nest sites, which can be within an assortment of taller trees. They favor the bald cypress as they wish to be near water, which attracts their favored high protein insects.
Mississippi Kites line their flimsy stick nests with end branches of leaves, making a soft overlay upon their stick nests. They often use living willow and cottonwood leaves, due to their texture, depending upon where they choose to nest. This could be in conifers or deciduous trees, and they do enjoy riparian woodlands or piney forest.
Mississippi Kite courtesy of Mark Bright
with red hoary bat
Eldon Lyon Park, Bethany, OK
As these kites usually choose insects for their food, many birds will nest in the same vicinity, as well as perch beside them after nesting season upon high wires. These social birds also tend to roost together and will often taken their young together where there are high large insect concentrations, like Boomer Lake Park, so they may practice hunting on the wing. They may choose either higher or lower altitudes for hunting, and will tend to stoop hunt, similar to a hawk, to close in upon their prey. Several adults and juveniles will perch together on large bald cypress during this time period, so that the immature birds can develop strong hunting skills. By the time they are seen frequently and in larger numbers, it is not long before they migrate.
Adult Mississippi Kite
Kites have grown to adapt, like many generalist species, to human environs, and they are not as gentle as some city birds when it comes to protecting their territory. There have been a number of instances where this species will react to unsuspecting folk that walk under their nests in parks and golf courses. Aerial bombardments rarely cause injury, but they will frighten the unfortunate who happen to be in the wrong area at the wrong time. These instances are usually avoided with the posting of signs and education, such as articles forewarning humanity about the activity.
Actions such as these will cease once young birds have fledged from the nest.
Juvenile Mississippi Kite
Fledged within two weeks
If there is reason to try to overwinter these birds, like in a rehab situation, chances are not good that the bird will survive long. Their bodies can't handle our winters.
Young Mississippi Kites in care of Nature's Vein in Oklahoma. Bird on the perch is a fledgling and the one in the rear would be a nestling. Notice how the nestling actively calls for food. These birds are two of four that came down from several nests, which was likely due to recent storms. They will be returned to the wild when they can fend for themselves. They had their mishap early enough in the season to fly south this fall. Show your support for wildlife rehabbers with financial or material donations.
For more photos on the Mississippi Kite, please view
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2018/08/flying-my-kites.html
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