Both the peregrine falcon and the Mississippi kite are birds of prey belonging to the falcon family Falconidae. However, they differ in several key ways relating to their size, habitat, diet, hunting strategies, and more. This article will provide an in-depth comparison between these two fascinating raptor species.
Quick Facts
Peregrine Falcon
- Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus
- Average Length: 15-20 inches
- Wingspan: 3.5-4 feet
- Average Weight: 1.5-2.5 pounds
- Maximum Speed: Over 200 mph in dive
- Prey: Almost exclusively other birds like pigeons, ducks, shorebirds
- Habitat: Open areas near cliffs, tall buildings, or bridges
- Range: Nearly worldwide except Antarctica
Mississippi Kite
- Scientific Name: Ictinia mississippiensis
- Length: 13-15 inches
- Wingspan: 3 feet
- Weight: 1/2 to 1 pound
- Speed: Unknown, likely around 40 mph
- Prey: Insects, small birds, frogs, lizards
- Habitat: Open woodlands near water
- Range: Central and southeastern US
As you can see, the peregrine is significantly larger than the Mississippi kite. The peregrine is also faster, while the kite has a more varied diet. Their habitat preferences also differ. Now let’s explore their differences in more detail.
Size and Appearance
The peregrine falcon is one of the largest falcon species, with mature adults reaching 15-20 inches in length and weighing between 1.5-2.5 pounds. Their wingspan is a massive 3.5-4 feet. Peregrines have a thick, powerful body type built for speed and hitting force.
Mississippi kites measure just 13-15 inches in length and weigh about half to one pound. Their slender body and wings give them a length of around 3 feet tip to tip. The peregrine is noticeably stockier and about 25% longer than the Mississippi kite.
In terms of coloring, peregrines have dark gray upperparts and a pale underside with barred markings. Their most distinctive feature is the dark “helmet” marking on their heads. Mississippi kites have grayish upperparts as well, but their underside is white with reddish spots on the wings. Their heads lack a defined facial marking like the peregrine’s helmet.
Speed and Hunting
The peregrine falcon is renowned as the fastest animal on Earth. When hunting in a stoop or dive, peregrines can reach speeds over 200 mph. Their streamlined bodies and stiff, slotted wing feathers allow them to slice through the air with immense power. Even in level flight, peregrines reach speeds around 60-70 mph.
In contrast, the Mississippi kite likely reaches maximum flight speeds of only around 40 mph. They lack the stocky muscular build and performance wings of the larger peregrine. Mississippi kites have longer, more pointed wings optimal for soaring flight. Peregrines are sprinters, while kites are more like long-distance runners.
These adaptations suit each species’ hunting strategy. Peregrines typically spot prey from a high perch, then dive down feet-first with closed wings. They strike with tremendous force, instantly killing or stunning their prey. Most often they eat mid-sized birds like pigeons, doves, and shorebirds. The impact of a peregrine strike is equivalent to being hit by a tennis ball flying over 150 mph.
Mississippi kites primarily snatch small prey like insects, lizards, and frogs out of the air or off the ground. They may also prey on small birds, but lack the speed and power for high-impact strikes. Instead, kites rely on aerial agility to grab food on the wing. Their flight abilities are impressive, but they cannot match the velocity of a stooping peregrine.
Habitat Preferences
Peregrines possess a nearly worldwide distribution and can thrive in many habitat types from tundra to deserts. However, they are most often found in areas containing high cliffs or tall structures overlooking open terrain for hunting. Ideal peregrine habitat includes coastal areas, wetlands, and river valleys.
Since the 1980s, peregrines have also adapted extremely well to urban habitats. They nest on tall buildings and bridges and prey on abundant city pigeons and songbirds. Peregrine numbers have recovered in many regions thanks to successful reintroduction programs using urban breeding sites.
Mississippi kites occupy a much more restricted range centered on the southeastern United States. As their name suggests, they primarily live along the Mississippi River and surrounding region. Their optimal habitat is open woodlands and forest edges near water sources like rivers or lakes. They migrate in winter to forested wetlands in South America.
While peregrines thrive around humans, Mississippi kites are more sensitive to disturbance. Loss of their favored floodplain forests has caused declining populations in some areas. They also require longer-lasting seasonal habitats than the more adaptable peregrine falcon.
Breeding
Both peregrine falcons and Mississippi kites nest in tall trees or on cliff ledges, though urban peregrines may also use human structures.
Peregrines prefer high, inaccessible sites overlooking their hunting grounds. The female typically lays 3-4 eggs that hatch after about a month. The chicks fledge at around 6 weeks old but remain dependent on their parents for food for several more weeks as they learn to hunt.
Mississippi kites also nest in tall trees, often along rivers. They build loosely-arranged stick nests lined with leaves and twigs. Their clutch size is just 1-3 eggs that have an incubation period of about 4 weeks. The chicks fledge at 4-5 weeks old.
Peregrines are more aggressive than kites in defending their nest sites. They will readily attack intruders, especially as the chicks grow older. Mississippi kites are less territorial and more prone to abandoning nests if frequently disturbed.
Population and Conservation
During the mid 20th century, peregrine falcon populations declined sharply due to DDT pesticide poisoning and human persecution. By the 1970s, they were endangered or extirpated across much of their global range. Intensive captive breeding and release programs helped peregrine populations eventually rebound.
Peregrines have few current conservation threats and enjoy a relatively secure global population. They are widespread generalists and have adapted successfully to living with humans. Most experts now consider them to be a species of Least Concern.
Mississippi kite numbers are much smaller, with a total population of just around 100,000 to 1 million birds. Although still relatively common within their core range, their populations have declined by around 2% per year in long-term surveys. Habitat loss is the primary threat to Mississippi kites.
While not currently endangered, Mississippi kites have a much higher risk status than the widespread and abundant peregrine falcon. However, both species have benefited from legal protections and recovery efforts since the 1970s.
Summary of Main Differences
| Trait | Peregrine Falcon | Mississippi Kite |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 15-20 in. long, 3.5-4 ft wingspan | 13-15 in. long, 3 ft wingspan |
| Weight | 1.5-2.5 lbs | 1/2 – 1 lb |
| Maximum Speed | Over 200 mph in dive, 60-70 mph in flight | Around 40 mph estimated |
| Diet | Almost exclusively birds | Insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians |
| Hunting Strategy | High-speed dives to stun prey | Snatch smaller prey from air/ground |
| Habitat | Cliffs, cities, open country | River woodlands |
| Breeding | Scrapes on cliffs or buildings, 3-4 eggs | Stick nests in trees, 1-3 eggs |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern, stable population | Near threatened, declining population |
Conclusion
In summary, the peregrine falcon is a larger, faster, and more powerful bird of prey compared to the Mississippi kite. Peregrines thrive in a variety of habitats across the world and can tackle larger avian prey with their incredible diving speed. Mississippi kites have more specialized habitat needs centered on southeastern river habitats. They are agile fliers but take smaller prey than the peregrine.
While peregrine populations are robust, Mississippi kites face steeper conservation challenges from habitat loss. However, both birds are fascinating and skillful avian predators that play important roles in their respective ecosystems. Each has unique adaptations for survival and hunting success in the habitats where they live.
