Mississippi Kite Fledglings Evacuated from Houston Following Hurricane

July 25, 2024

Following Hurricane Beryl’s aftermath in Houston, sixteen Mississippi Kite fledglings were admitted to the Port Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at the Texas State Aquarium.

Displaced from their nests due to high winds, and out of relief for a rehabilitation group inundated with wildlife, the Center for Wildlife Rescue was the first choice due to its significant capacity. The birds will remain under careful evaluation by the Wildlife Rescue Team.

Mississippi Kites are hawk-like raptors known for their impressive migratory patterns. Typically seen in large concentrations in Mexico and Texas, these birds winter in South America. They can range from 12-14 inches in length with a wingspan of up to three feet.

The rehabilitation process includes multiple, daily hand-feedings to ensure the fledglings continue to grow stronger. The birds’ feet are checked, the wings are spread and examined, they are tagged with a colored band, and then weighed. When first admitted, the Kites were receiving a diet of 20% of their body weight. Now, just a week later, they have been brought down to 10% due to how fast they are growing! They are also losing their fluffy, down feathers and are growing in their juvenile colors. Once deemed capable by our veterinary and wildlife rescue team, these Mississippi Kites will undergo a series of tests that will ensure they can catch their own prey, preparing them for release back into their natural habitat, just in time for fall migration.

(The Aquarium admitted these fledglings as part of their emergency response to large-scale wildlife disasters. Due to avian influenza, the Center for Wildlife Rescue is currently not accepting avian patients.)