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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis ORDER: ACCIPITRIFORMES FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A graceful, long-winged raptor, the Mississippi Kite is found in scattered localities across the southern and central United States.

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Appearance

Hawks
Hawks
Typical Voice

Adult Description

Medium-sized hawk. Long, narrow, pointed wings. Long black tail. Head pearly gray. Body darker gray. Pale patch on rear edge of wings as seen from above.

Immature Description

Juvenile with heavy brown streaks on underparts.

Range Map Help

Mississippi Kite Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Mississippi Kite

    Adult
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Lamar County, Colorado, July 2000
  • Immature
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    Mississippi Kite

    Immature
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Lamar County, oops

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    Nothing to Do But Soar?: The curious expansion of the Mississippi Kite. Spring 2012 Living Bird magazine