Slender-billed Kite
NameSlender-billed Kite
Common NameSlender-billed Kite
Scientific NameHelicolestes hamatus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)75
Length (cm)38
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsAdults are entirely dark slate-grey with bright yellow irises. The cere and legs are vivid orange. The tail is dark with a broad white band near the base and a narrower white terminal band.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of high-pitched, plaintive whistles, often described as 'wheee-oo' or 'kew-kew-kew' calls.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in Central and South America, from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America, including parts of the Amazon basin.
Identifying Featuresslender, strongly hooked black bill, uniform dark grey plumage, bright yellow eyes, orange cere and legs, dark tail with distinct white bands
Description
The Slender-billed Kite is a medium-sized raptor characterized by its uniform dark grey plumage, bright yellow eyes, and a distinctive slender, strongly hooked bill. It specializes in feeding on snails, often found perching quietly in humid lowland forests near water.
