Hillside National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hillside National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Holmes County, Mississippi, United States |
| Nearest city | Belzoni, Mississippi |
| Area | 15,572 acres (63.02 km2) |
| Established | 1975 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Hillside National Wildlife Refuge |
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge is a special place for animals and nature. It's like a safe haven, or "oasis," for wildlife. This refuge is one of seven similar areas in the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It's located in Mississippi, right next to some unique hills called loess bluffs. The refuge covers about 15,572 acres (which is about 63 square kilometers). It got its name because it sits at the bottom of these hills.
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About Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
The Hillside National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1975. Its main job is to protect important places for animals. It's especially vital for birds that travel long distances. The refuge is surrounded by farms, making it a key natural spot.
A Home for Many Birds
This refuge is a very important stop for over 225 types of birds. These are "neotropical migratory birds." They fly between North and South America each year. The refuge gives them a safe place to rest and build nests.
Wintering Waterfowl
In winter, Hillside is famous for its huge numbers of waterfowl. Sometimes, more than 125,000 birds visit! These birds are often traveling along the Mississippi Flyway. This is a major bird migration route.
Some of the many waterfowl you might see include Mallards, American wigeon, and gadwall. You can also spot northern shovelers, teal, scaup, and ring-necked ducks.
Breeding Birds
Some birds choose Hillside as their home all year. Wood ducks and hooded mergansers raise their families here. You can find them throughout the refuge.
Shorebirds and Wading Birds
Many types of shorebirds also visit Hillside. Common ones are killdeer and snipe. You might also see least and pectoral sandpipers. Greater and lesser yellowlegs are also common.
The refuge has a special area called a "rookery." This is where many wading birds nest and rest. These include beautiful white ibis and different kinds of egrets. Look for great, snowy, and cattle egrets.
You can also spot many herons here. These include great blue, little blue, and green-backed herons. Don't forget the unique yellow-crowned night herons!
Birds of Prey
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, hunt for food. They are an important part of the refuge's ecosystem. You might see a red-tailed hawk soaring above. Other raptors include the northern harrier and the small but mighty American kestrel. The graceful Mississippi kite also calls this refuge home.
Hunting at Hillside
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge also allows some hunting. This is carefully managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It helps keep animal populations healthy. Hunters can look for animals like white-tailed deer and turkey. Other animals hunted include raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, and waterfowl.
