![]() They are relatively common in the Southeast along local streams, but never found in very dense nesting colonies. They are amazing aerialists, floating on the air similar to Swallow-tailed Kite twisting, turning, and swooping up and down as they catch flying insects. They have an average lifespan of 8 years. Mississippi Kites are distinctive in plumage, flight style, and foraging behavior. Because of the reduced amount of predators in urban areas, Mississippi Kites produce more offspring in urban areas than rural areas. Clutches fall victim to storms and predators such as raccoons and great horned owls. Only about half of Kites successfully raise their young. The young birds leave the nest another 30-35 days after hatching. A clutch is a group of eggs produced by birds, amphibians, or reptiles, often at a single time, particularly those laid in a nest. They have one clutch a year which takes 30-32 days to hatch. Mississippi Kites nest in colonies and both parents, paired up before arriving at the nesting site incubate the eggs and care for the young. Young Kites have banded tails and streaked bodies. Males and females look alike, but the males are slightly paler on the head and neck. If unavoidable, wearing a hat or waving hands in the air should prevent contact from being made but wAill not prevent the diving behavior.Īdult Mississippi Kites are gray with darker gray on their tail feathers and outer wings and lighter gray on their heads and inner wings. Staying at least 50 yards from nests is the best way to avoid conflict with the birds. The birds protect their nests by diving at perceived threats, including humans. This can make the bird somewhat of a nuisance when it chooses to roost in populated urban spots such as golf courses or schools. It also does not help Weatherford is in the hot spot of where Kites makes their nests,” Lt. It is something we have to deal with every year, but they will eventually move on in about two months when they migrate south for the winter. If small Kites are injured, the game warden will remove them sometimes. If one finds an injured one, one can contact us or the Game Warden. “If possible, avoid the area where they are. ![]() Mississippi Kites are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which protects the birds, their eggs, and their nests (occupied or empty), from being moved or tampered with without the proper permits, so Weatherford police cannot get rid of the Kites. If someone finds an injured bird or a young bird which is unable to fly, contact the Oklahoma Game Wardens or call the Weatherford Police Department for information. If this happens, do not attempt try to grab the bird as they have razor sharp claws. Weatherford police cannot do anything unless there is an injured bird or a young Kite falls from the nest. If this is happening, they have moved into trees or view people as a threat to their nest. ![]() A Mississippi Kite, which has narrow, pointed wings and is graceful in flight and also is known as the bird people dive bombs you daily while in their yards and are often mistaken for hawks. ![]()
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