MISSISSIPPI KITE. 



BLUE KITE. 



ICTINA MISSISSIPPIENSIS. 



Char. General color bluish-gray, lighter on the head and seconda- 

 ries, darker on primaries and tail. Length, 13 to 15^ inches. 

 Nest. On a tree ; of small sticks, lined with moss and leaves. 

 Eggs. 2-3; bluish white ; size variable, averaging 1.65 X 1.35. 



This remarkably long-winged and beautiful Hawk does not 

 appear to extend its migrations far within the United States. 

 Wilson observed it rather plentiful about and below Natchez 

 in the summer season, sailing in easy circles, sometimes at 

 a great elevation, so as to keep company with the Turkey 

 Buzzards in the most elevated regions of the air ; at other times 

 they were seen among the lofty forest trees, like Swallows 

 sweeping along, and collecting the locusts {Cicadce) which 

 swarmed at this season. My friend Mr. Say observed this 

 species pretty far up the Mississippi, at one of Major Long's 

 cantonments. But except on the banks of this great river, 

 it is rarely seen even in the most southern States. Its food, 



