When people think of raptors, they often imagine hawks and eagles. But there’s another group of birds of prey that’s just as impressive—kites. Known for their graceful flight and aerial hunting, kites are elegant and agile birds that are a treat to watch.
In Arkansas, birdwatchers have the chance to spot three kite species. Some are seasonal residents, while others are rare visitors. Whether you’re an avid birder or just starting out, this guide will help you understand and identify all the kites found in Arkansas.
1. Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis)
The Mississippi Kite is the most common kite species in Arkansas. These birds are sleek, with long, pointed wings and a streamlined body. They are mostly gray with darker wing tips and a pale head, giving them a clean and elegant look in flight.
Behavior & Diet
Mississippi Kites are aerial acrobats, often seen soaring or gliding through the sky with barely a flap. They feed mainly on flying insects—like cicadas, grasshoppers, and dragonflies—which they snatch right out of the air.
They are known for hunting on the wing, sometimes even catching insects with their talons and eating them mid-flight.
Nesting & Habitat
Mississippi Kites nest in colonies, often choosing riparian woodlands, city parks, and even golf courses. They’ve adapted well to urban life and don’t seem to mind being around people.
- Breeding Season: May to August
- Best Places to Spot: Eastern and central Arkansas, especially near wooded rivers or large parks
Fun Fact
These birds sometimes chase away much larger hawks or crows from their nesting areas—don’t mess with a kite!
2. Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
The Swallow-tailed Kite is arguably the most stunning of the kite family. It has a bold black-and-white color pattern and a long, deeply forked tail that helps it make tight turns and smooth glides. When you see one, it almost looks like it’s floating.
Behavior & Diet
Swallow-tailed Kites are expert fliers, often seen dipping and gliding over forests, swamps, or open land. They catch flying insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and even baby birds.
They rarely flap their wings; instead, they let their long tail do the steering as they skim treetops or swoop over wetlands.
Rarity in Arkansas
Historically, these birds nested in Arkansas, but habitat loss in the 19th and 20th centuries caused their numbers to plummet. For over a century, they were only seen during migration, with no breeding records.
That changed in 2020, when a pair of Swallow-tailed Kites successfully raised chicks in Arkansas—the first known nesting in the state since 1890. It was a major moment for bird conservationists and bird lovers alike.
- Best Time to See Them: Late spring to summer
- Best Places to Spot: Bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands in the southern part of the state
Fun Fact
They often carry nesting material or prey in their feet while flying, and they even feed their young while on the wing.
Read also: White Birds in Arkansas: 9 Beautiful Species to Watch For
3. White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus)
The White-tailed Kite is a rare sight in Arkansas. These kites are striking—mostly white with gray wings and bold black shoulder patches. They have red eyes and a graceful way of flying, often hovering like a kestrel over open fields.
Behavior & Diet
White-tailed Kites feed mostly on small mammals, especially voles and mice. They hover over grasslands, then dive quickly to snatch up prey.
Their hovering behavior, paired with their white body, makes them easy to spot—if you’re lucky enough to see one.
Rarity in Arkansas
This species is considered a rare or accidental visitor to Arkansas. They are much more common in the western United States, particularly in California and Texas.
Only a few confirmed sightings have occurred in Arkansas, and they are not regular residents of the state.
- Best Time to Spot: Late fall or during unusual migration shifts
- Where to Look: Open agricultural fields or prairies in western Arkansas
Fun Fact
White-tailed Kites have a graceful “fluttering” hover, and unlike most other raptors, both males and females share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Kite Identification Table
| Species | Size | Color | Tail Shape | Status in Arkansas |
| Mississippi Kite | Medium | Gray body, pale head | Straight, medium-length | Common breeder |
| Swallow-tailed Kite | Medium | Black and white | Deeply forked | Rare breeder (recent return) |
| White-tailed Kite | Small | White with black spots | Short, rounded | Accidental visitor |
Tips for Spotting Kites in Arkansas
- Bring binoculars or a spotting scope: Kites often soar high and may be hard to ID without magnification.
- Visit during warm months: Late spring and summer are the best times to see Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites.
- Look for open skies near woodlands or water: These are prime hunting and nesting grounds.
- Check reports on eBird.org: Local birders often report rare sightings there.
FAQs
What is the most common kite species in Arkansas?
Mississippi Kite is the most common and widespread kite species in the state, especially during the summer breeding season.
Are Swallow-tailed Kites endangered in Arkansas?
They’re not officially endangered, but they are rare. Their 2020 nesting success was a big win for conservation efforts.
When is the best time to see kites in Arkansas?
Late spring through early fall is best. That’s when Mississippi Kites are nesting, and rare species like Swallow-tailed Kites might pass through.
Where should I go to see kites?
Try areas with open skies near forests, such as eastern Arkansas, the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, or the Ouachita region. City parks may also host Mississippi Kites.
Do kites migrate?
Yes, all three kite species seen in Arkansas are migratory. They head to Central and South America for the winter and return to the U.S. to breed.
Do kites hunt like hawks?
Not exactly. Kites specialize in aerial hunting and often eat insects or small mammals. They’re more agile and often eat their food while flying.
Final Thoughts
Kites may not be as well-known as hawks or owls, but their flying skills, sleek bodies, and unique behaviors make them some of the most exciting birds to watch in Arkansas. Whether you’re looking for the common Mississippi Kite or hoping to catch a glimpse of the elegant Swallow-tailed Kite, there’s always something magical about seeing one in flight.
If you’re birdwatching in Arkansas this year, keep your eyes to the sky—you never know what kind of kite might glide overhead.
