Life List 107
Visually documented
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
- First photographed
- July 15, 2026
- First location
- Colorado, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
Mississippi Kite portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Ictinia mississippiensis
Overview
The Mississippi Kite is a graceful, highly aerial raptor that catches large insects in flight. It often nests in loose colonies and has adapted to tree-lined neighborhoods in parts of the southern Great Plains.
Identification
Slender and falconlike with long pointed wings, a long dark tail, pale gray head, darker gray body, very dark wingtips, and red eyes on adults. Juveniles are brown-streaked below with barred tails.
Range
Breeds locally across the southern and central United States and migrates in flocks to central South America for winter.
Habitat
Open woodland, riparian groves, shelterbelts, savanna, parks, golf courses, and mature urban neighborhoods.
Diet
Large insects such as cicadas, grasshoppers, dragonflies, and beetles, plus small reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.
Photography by Brittany Templin
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