The Mississippi Kite breeds in central and southeastern Arizona, much of New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, southwestern and central Kansas, the western two thirds of Oklahoma, Texas, central Arkansas and along the valley of the Mississippi River and across the Gulf Coast states to South Carolina and south through Florida. Isolated populations exist in central coastal Texas, northeastern Alabama and northeastern Georgia. This species has recently expanded its western and northern ranges.
The Mississippi Kite winters in central South America. A few scattered individuals may occasionally winter as far north as southern Texas.
There are no subspecies recognized.
MIGRATION
The Mississippi Kite is a long distance migrant, like the Broad-winged Hawk and Swainson's Hawk, and in all likelihood probably follows similar routes through Central America. Virtually the entire North American population north of the Mexican border migrates to South America to spend the winter. This kite commonly travels in flocks numbering as high as 200 individuals or more.
Fall migration begins in mid- to late- August. Small groups of kites have already begun to assemble earlier in the month. August assemblies may also feed heavily to put on fat for their trip. More study is required concerning this aspect of their life history. Large flocks are often encountered into September. Most kites are south of the United States / Mexico border by mid-October. Little is known of this species' migration timing or routes through Mexico and Central America or of conditions on the wintering grounds where, presumably, it forages for insects. Two nestlings banded in the southeast United States in July-August were shot in October of the same year in Guatemala. Spring migration north through Central America is also poorly known. Migration peaked north of Veracruz, Mexico in the fourth week of April. By late April small numbers have reached Kansas, Oklahoma and the northerly parts of the eastern range. Re-occupation of colonies occurs usually by mid-May.
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