High above the vibrant tapestry of the Costa Rican rainforest, a flash of grey catches your eye. It glides effortlessly, its wings outstretched like a dancer’s arms. This is the Mississippi Kite, a summer visitor to our mountain retreat, gracing us with its presence before embarking on its grand migration south.
While the Mississippi Kite might share its name with a North American state, it’s a true citizen of the world. It breeds in the southern regions of the United States before embarking on a remarkable journey to spend its winters in the lush embrace of South America. Costa Rica, with its diverse ecosystems, serves as a vital rest stop on this incredible voyage.
A Masterful Acrobat
The Mississippi Kite is a member of the Accipitridae family, which includes hawks, eagles, and kites. But unlike its more robust cousins, the Mississippi Kite is a master of aerial agility. Its slender body, measuring a mere 12-15 inches, and long, pointed wings with a wingspan of up to 3 feet, make it perfectly adapted for a life spent airborne.
Watching a Mississippi Kite is a mesmerizing experience. It soars with an almost nonchalant grace, barely needing to flap its wings. It utilizes thermals, rising columns of warm air, to gain altitude effortlessly. Once aloft, it scans the landscape with its keen red eyes, searching for its favorite prey – insects.
A Feast in the Sky
The Mississippi Kite is an aerial insectivore. Unlike many raptors that hunt from a perch, the Mississippi Kite is a true acrobat of the skies. It swoops, dives, and performs intricate maneuvers in mid-air, snatching dragonflies, grasshoppers, and other flying insects with its sharp beak. Its forked tail aids in these aerial acrobatics, providing the necessary agility for these high-speed chases.
A Transient Treasure
The Mississippi Kite graces our mountain retreat in Costa Rica from roughly May to September. During this time, you might spot them circling high above the treetops, their pale grey bodies contrasting beautifully with the azure sky. They might even perch on a prominent branch for a brief moment, offering a fleeting glimpse of their red legs and piercing red eyes.
While the Mississippi Kite might not be a permanent resident, its presence adds a touch of magic to the Costa Rican experience. It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet, a testament to the incredible journeys undertaken by some of Earth’s most fascinating creatures.
Keep an Eye Out!
If you’re visiting our mountain retreat during the summer months, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Mississippi Kite. With a little patience and a dash of luck, you might be rewarded with a sighting of this graceful avian acrobat, a fleeting visitor leaving its mark on the Costa Rican sky.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
