Mississippi Kite

This wellbuilt bird possesses much more courage and spirit than others of its kindred. Only the Swallowtail Kite surpasses it in flight power but it is stronger and much more determined than that species. Its aerial performances are quite up to the Kite standard; it soars with motionless pinions in great circles, sweeps or dashes with vigor and grace, or hovers in the air watching for its humble quarry. It is a tireless flyer.

Although the almost toothed bill indicates an approach to falcon traits, it confines its captures to lizards, small snakes, frogs, grasshoppers and particularly to a large species of beetle belonging to the cicada family. This latter it deftly picks from tree branches without ceasing its flight. Its food is eaten on the wing after the manner of Swallowtail Kites.