The Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) is a small raptor known for its graceful flight and acrobatic hunting skills. It has a sleek, gray body with a distinctive black tail and wings. These birds are often found in open woodlands and are known for their migratory behavior, traveling from the southern United States to South America.

Ictinia mississippiensis, commonly known as the Mississippi Kite, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution includes the southern United States, particularly in the Great Plains, the southeastern U.S., and parts of the Midwest. The species is also found in parts of Central and South America during its non-breeding season, as it migrates to regions like southern Brazil and northern Argentina.

The Mississippi Kite typically inhabits open and semi-open habitats such as open woodlands, savannas, and riparian areas. It prefers river valleys and floodplains where it can find tall trees for nesting. During the breeding season, it is often associated with mature hardwood forests near large bodies of water. The climate in these areas is generally warm and humid.

As a bird of prey, the Mississippi Kite occupies an ecological niche as a predator of large insects, particularly cicadas, and small vertebrates. It is well-adapted to soaring and gliding, making it efficient at hunting prey in open areas. The species is known for its social behavior, often nesting in colonies and demonstrating cooperative feeding strategies.