Mississippi Kites

 

Mississippi Kite

I see a pair Mississippi Kites on my property often this days; amazing birds, very beautiful with incredible flying abilities. I watched one fold his wings and dive for prey yesterday.  It was impressive. The kites here in north Mississippi nest in woodland.  I often see them flying to wood edges and patrolling my large front lawn. 

I am told they eat a lot of large insects, but also take amphibians, reptiles, bats and host of other small mammals. They must take squirrels as I notice the many grey squirrels around my house make themselves very scare when the kites are on the wing.

Last year I had a pair of Peregrine falcons around, have not seen them this year though.