![]() In rural areas, these acrobatic birds have even been known to hunt in recently mowed hay fields, taking advantage of the disturbance. Foraging areas include open meadows and nearby streams where insects are abundant. Insects are caught in mid-air and are often eaten while on the wing, or in flight. Mississippi kites are insectivorous - feeding primarily on insects - but will also capture reptiles and amphibians. These long, narrow wings are often held in a weak or stretched "M" while flying. Mississippi kites are medium sized birds with a long tail and a three foot wingspan. If coloration can't be determined due to lighting or distance, many bird watchers look at the overall shape and flight pattern of the bird to help with identifications. Juveniles have a streaked body and breast and a barred tail with a shallow notch. An acrobatic flyer, this hawk-like bird feeds primarily on insects, is common in suburban areas, and is well known for its nest defense tactics. These birds, among them the Mississippi kite, winter south of the Equator, but spend spring and summer in the United States and Canada. It's then that birders look forward to seeing a select group of visitors to Oklahoma known as neo-tropical birds. ![]()
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