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Mississippi Kite Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Mississippi Kites are slender, fairly small raptors with long, pointed wings. The tail is fairly long and square-tipped. The strongly hooked bill is small and delicate.

    Relative Size

    Larger than a Rock Pigeon; smaller than a Peregrine Falcon.

    Relative Sizebetween crow and goosebetween crow and goose

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 13.4-14.6 in (34-37 cm)
      • Weight: 7.6-9.5 oz (216-269 g)

    Shape of the Mississippi Kite© Ashley Bradford / Macaulay Library