Snail Kite
Image: Bruno Grassi (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 blackish flight feathers and a white base to the tail. Adult females and immatures are dark brown above, heavily streaked below, with a pale eyebrow and a white rump and tail base. Both sexes have bright orange-red legs and cere.
Vocalization / CallTypically quiet, but can give a series of harsh, croaking calls or a high-pitched 'kew-kew-kew' when alarmed or around the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsfreshwater wetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, ponds
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical and subtropical South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and a small population in Florida, USA.
Identifying Featureslong, sharply curved bill, specialized diet of apple snails, dark plumage (males), brown streaked plumage (females/immatures), orange-red legs and cere, slow, buoyant flight over wetlands
Description
The Snail Kite is a medium-sized raptor characterized by its highly specialized diet of apple snails. Males are dark slate-gray, while females and immatures are brownish with streaking. They possess a distinctive long, sharply curved bill perfectly adapted for extracting snails from their shells.
