What Bird

[B. White]

I only see these when I mow a field. I've had them swoop to within a few feet if a big grasshopper takes off. Rough est on wingspan would be 3-4 ft. Color seems to be more of a dark gray with some white on the back rear of the wings. There is very little wing flapping and maneuver mostly with the tail. I've see them go straight up and stop like a plane stalling, hover in one spot and when they come by close they are moving too fast to get a good look at. Not the best pics, since it is zoomed on the cell phone while trying to drive the tractor.

 

[Fan Number 17]

I would say a Mississippi kite.

 

[Nicodemus]

Yes, it`s a Mississippi kite. It`s time for them to be moving into our areas.

 

[B. White]

Thanks, the description of them sounds just like the way I see them behaving. There must be some darker color phases. Some photos online show them with a lot more light gray on the breast.