Grey Kite

Grey Kite (in hookbeak) aka Mississippi Kite (in nofeather), Ictinia mississippiensis, is a species of kite found throughout North and South America. It is closely related to the Plumbeous Kite of Latin America. Adults have grey bodies with whitish secondary bars, scarlet eyes and dark ceres.

It is a dark falcon-shaped kite with short outer primaries and when flying, it has a flared tail. All ages show black spot in front of and black ring around eyes. Adult plumage is acquired in two years. When perched, wingtips exceed tail tip.

Sexes are similar, but females are somewhat larger; juveniles have a different plumage. Basic I plumage returning their first spring have adultlike grey bodies but have retained juvenile tail and flight feathers.