westernplainsanimalrefuge.org

Welcome to the Daily Bark, our blog for Western Plains Animal Refuge!

The City of Hays Animal Control brought in a Mississippi kite today, and she will be staying with us for a couple of weeks. She's too young to be out on her own, but she'll be ready soon.

Nothing is wrong with this bird, but she had been staying in the front yard of someone who was afraid of birds. Chances are that her mother was somewhere near, and had she been left alone, she would have been fine. Next time, maybe the momma bird will choose her neighbors more wisely!

Mississippi kites are increasingly common in the Plains states, and they're pretty easy to spot here in Kansas. In some states, though, they are listed as endangered or threatened. They nest in trees, and as trees were cleared for farm fields in the Midwest, their habitat began to vanish. In the mid-1900s, early conservation laws were put into place, and their numbers began increasing.

They eat insects, and catch their prey while they fly. When they nest, they lay 1-3 eggs. Like bluejays, they are very territorial of their nests and will attack people who come near.

We will be releasing this kite within a week or two. In the meantime, she is a good source for education for anyone who comes in our doors!