Snail Kite
Image: ben_tk (cc-by-nc)
NameSnail Kite
Common NameSnail Kite
Scientific NameRostrhamus sociabilis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)115
Length (cm)42
Weight (g)475
Plumage DetailsAdult males are uniformly slate-gray to black with bright red eyes and red cere and legs. Females and immatures are dark brown above, heavily streaked buffy-white below, with a pale eyebrow and yellow cere and legs. Both sexes exhibit a white base to the tail and a broad white band at the base of the undertail coverts.
Vocalization / CallGenerally quiet, but can emit harsh, croaking calls, often described as "krah-krah-krah" or "gwa-gwa-gwa," especially when agitated or near the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, grasslands
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical and subtropical wetlands across the Americas, from Florida (USA) through Central America and the Caribbean, and extensively in South America down to northern Argentina.
Identifying Featuresdistinctive deeply curved bill, specialized diet of apple snails, adult males dark gray/black, females/immatures brownish and streaked, white tail base and undertail coverts, red eyes and cere/legs in adult males
Description
The Snail Kite is a medium-sized raptor known for its highly specialized diet of apple snails. It possesses a unique, deeply curved bill perfectly adapted for extracting snails from their shells. These birds are typically found soaring low over freshwater wetlands or perched on emergent vegetation.
