DESCRIPTIVE LIST 163 



Hawk" from its habit of eating such reptiles. In western North Carolina we have 

 had several records from the Black Mountains. Here it appears to be a late sum- 

 mer transient or straggler. 



The nest, like those of other hawks, is built mostly of twigs, and is usually placed 

 in the crotch of some tall tree, usually near the top. The eggs are from two to 

 four in number, dull ashy gray, or creamy white, blotched and spotted with various 

 shades of brown and reddish brown. Size 1.85 x 1.50. We know of no nest of this 

 species being found in North Carolina. 



A species of the genus Elanus, the White-tailed Kite (leucurus), known by its white head and 

 tail, may occur in the State. Its length is about 16.00. 



Genus Ictinia (Vieill.) 

 145. Ictinia mississippiensis (Wils.}. MISSISSIPPI KITE. 



Description. Adult uniform plumbeous, becoming whitish on head, and blackish on tail and 

 wings. Young with head, neck, and underparts white, longitudinally striped or spotted with 

 brown. L., about 14.50; W., 11.50; T., 6.50. 



Range. Southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, north to Georgia, south to 

 Guatemala. 



Range in North Carolina. So far, only recorded from Cherokee County. 



FIG. 122. MISSISSIPPI KITE. 



The Mississippi Kite gains a recognized place in the fauna of our State through 

 its casual appearance in Cherokee County. Mrs. Donald Wilson records one taken 

 near Andrews, May 26, 1893. Collett also tells us of two other specimens being 

 killed in that neighborhood about the same date. 



This bird, like the preceding, is said to select the tops of high trees for nesting 

 sites. The eggs are white, usually without markings, and are two or three in num- 

 ber. Size about 1.60 x 1.30. 



The range of the Mississippi Kite is chiefly west of the Mississippi River. 



