Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis (Wilson, A, 1811)

Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles

Mississippi Kite, Ictinia mississippiensis, is a bird of prey in the Accipitridae family that breeds in south-central and south-eastern USA and winters in south-central South America. It is a graceful flier with narrow, pointed wings, and it is often seen with several birds circling together in one area. First described by Alexander Wilson in 1811, it was named from the Mississippi region where he first noted it. The species is also known for its long pointed wings and forked tail, which helped place it among the kites.

Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae — Kites, Hawks, Eagles
Breeding range: North America: sc, se USA
Nonbreeding range: sc SA