Snail Kite
Image: ben_tk (cc-by-nc)
NameSnail Kite
Common NameSnail Kite
Scientific NameRostrhamus sociabilis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)115
Length (cm)44.5
Weight (g)465
Plumage DetailsAdult males are uniformly dark slate-gray with black primary feathers and a white base to the tail. Adult females are browner with streaked underparts and a white supercilium. Juveniles resemble females but are more heavily streaked. All have bright red eyes and orange-red legs.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of harsh, guttural croaks and caws, often described as "krah-krah-krah" or "ga-ga-ga". They also produce softer whistles and chirps during courtship or when communicating with young.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical and subtropical wetlands from Florida (USA) through Central America and the Caribbean, south to Argentina.
Identifying Featuresdistinctive deeply hooked bill, specialized diet of apple snails, dark slate-gray plumage (males), streaked brown plumage (females/juveniles), white base to tail, red eyes and legs
Description
The Snail Kite is a medium-sized raptor known for its highly specialized diet of apple snails. It has a distinctive slender, deeply hooked bill perfectly adapted for extracting snails from their shells. These birds are often seen soaring low over wetlands or perched conspicuously.
