Five things you need to know about Mississippi Kites
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Mississippi kites are medium-sized hawks that tend to build nests around base, particularly in base housing and around the golf course.
They aren't the largest predatory birds in Oklahoma, but they are very protective of their offspring and may "dive bomb" perceived threats to their nests. This includes adults, children and pets.
Here are five things you need to know about this dark gray bird:
Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis)
#1 - Mississippi kites are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which means the birds, their eggs and offspring cannot be moved, captured, hunted or killed. This includes the nest as well. The birds typically hole up in southern and central states during the summer, and migrate to South America in the winter.
#2 - The birds prey on insects, namely grasshoppers and cicadas. They may also feast smaller animals, like mice or lizards. They probably don't want your neighbor's teacup poodle for dinner, but if you have small pets, it would be best to not leave them unattended.
#3 - It takes about 30 days for a young Mississippi kite to hatch from the egg. The young birds may be able to fly from the nest as early as 30 days afterward.
#4 - Most Mississippi kites have a wingspan of about three feet - or about the length of your arm.
#5 - These birds have sharp talons. There were six incidents last year, so you definitely don't want to mess around if these birds are in the vicinity.
The best way to keep these birds from attacking is to stay at least 50 yards from their nests. The 97th Air Mobility Wing Safety office marks tree that the kites are nesting in.
If provoked, wave hands in the air. If you have a hat, wave that. This will buy you a little time and prevent any serious injury. Continue waving your hands as you walk (not run) away from the nesting birds.
"It's obviously going to be an exciting moment if you encounter a kite, but try not to run away from it," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Huffer, who works in the safety office. Huffer explained that running while distracted may lead to other environmental hazards like poles or tripping hazards.
Many studies report that only around ten-percent of nesting kites will be aggressive. With that being said, it's better to be cautious while around them.
If you have a close encounter with a Mississippi kite on Altus Air Force Base, call (580) 481-7233 or (580) 481-7289 and provide as much information as possible to the Altus AFB Safety Office so they can locate and mark the nests.