What's this Mississippi River bird doing in Oklahoma? Managing pests, experts say.
For the average Oklahoma City resident, Mississippi kites are a beautiful nuisance. The birds nest in inconvenient spaces and swoop at passers-by, but what is a Mississippi River bird doing in Oklahoma?
Inger Giuffrida, of WildCare Oklahoma, said Mississippi kites fly farther in one season than most humans travel in a lifetime. These birds are remarkable raptors renowned for their aerial prowess and have captured the attention of bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.
"For 4 or 5 weeks of every year, they travel to Oklahoma and the Plains states to breed and meet the locals, but some would say these guests haven't seen the hospitality they truly deserve," Giuffrida said.
As part of the ecosystem, these kites control agricultural pests like grasshoppers, beetles, dragonflies, katydids and their favorite delicacy, cicadas.
Their diet extends beyond insects to include rodents and small reptiles, they will also eat smaller birds that stray into their territory but they do not prey on larger animals or pets.
Why do Mississippi kites get such a bad rap?
While they coexist peacefully with most other species, they become defensive and may dive at individuals who encroach upon their habitats. Mississippi kites have been known to swoop at humans on occasion; however, such behaviors are primarily observed near their nests.
Nestled in the bottomland hardwood forests of the Southeast and treelined areas of the Southern prairies, Mississippi kites have expanded their nesting areas to include shelter belts, parks, suburbs and even urban landscapes. Typically found 25 to 30 feet above ground in treetops and near the tree line, these birds have adapted well to diverse environments.
"During the breeding season, which occurs from May to July, Mississippi kites incubate their eggs for approximately 30 days, with both parents taking turns," Giuffrida said. "After hatching, the young birds begin leaping between branches at around 25 to 30 days old and quickly take to the skies. Interestingly, in some cases, the young birds assist in tending to a couple's eggs during their first year."
The birds build their nests in trees and fields rich with insect activity, similar to tree stands, so they can watch out for prey and predators.
They are fiercely protective of their fledglings and may dive-bomb people to safeguard their offspring. To minimize the likelihood of conflict, it is advisable to carry an umbrella, wear a hat, or wave your arms if you find yourself in close proximity to these birds.
It is important to remember that all Mississippi kites are migratory birds, and according to federal regulations, shooting them is illegal.
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Are birds like these in danger?
Predation is a constant concern for Mississippi kites, with raccoons, fox squirrels, great horned owls, ants, crows, snakes and roadrunners being their common predators, but encroachment from people has been a cause of some concern.
Grassland birds, including Mississippi kites, face significant challenges due to the detrimental effects of pesticides and land management practices.
As humans continue to disrupt wildlife corridors and destroy interconnected green spaces, the expansion of Mississippi kites' range becomes a consequence. Preserving these vital habitats is crucial to safeguarding the future of these magnificent aerialists and the ecosystems they inhabit, Giuffrida said.
