Snail Kite
NameSnail Kite
Common NameSnail Kite
Scientific NameRostrhamus sociabilis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)44
Weight (g)465
Plumage DetailsThe bird in the image appears to be a juvenile or female, characterized by dark brown upperparts and a buffy-brown head and underparts heavily streaked and spotted with dark brown. The tail is dark with a prominent white base and a broad white band at the base of the tail feathers. The cere and legs are orange-yellow.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of harsh, croaking calls, often described as 'krah-krah-krah' or 'gwa-gwa-gwa', and sometimes softer whistles.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater wetlands, marshes, swamps, shallow lakes, flooded grasslands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southeastern United States (Florida), Cuba, parts of Central America (Mexico to Panama), and much of South America east of the Andes, extending south to northern Argentina.
Identifying FeaturesHighly specialized, slender, deeply hooked bill, Orange-yellow legs and cere, White base to the tail (visible in flight), Buoyant, graceful flight over water, Juveniles/females are brown and streaked, adult males are slate-gray
Description
A medium-sized raptor known for its highly specialized, deeply hooked bill, perfectly adapted for extracting snails from their shells. This bird exhibits graceful, buoyant flight over freshwater wetlands, where it hunts its primary prey.
