Rostrhamus sociabilis
The Snail Kite, *Rostrhamus sociabilis*, is a medium-sized raptor instantly recognizable by its highly specialized, deeply curved, slender bill, perfectly adapted for extracting snails from their shells. Males are a striking slate-gray with bright red eyes and orange-red legs and cere, typically measuring 40-48 cm (16-19 in) in length with a wingspan of 107-122 cm (42-48 in) and weighing around 360-570 g (12.7-20 oz). Females are browner on the back and heavily streaked white and brown on the...
Primarily inhabits extensive freshwater wetlands, marshes, and shallow lakes with emergent vegetation, particularly those rich in aquatic snails. Found from sea level up to around 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) in elevation.
Feeds almost exclusively on large freshwater apple snails (genus *Pomacea*), which it extracts from their shells using its highly specialized, deeply curved upper mandible. Occasionally preys on small fish, crabs, or other invertebrates during snail scarcity.
Snail Kites are diurnal, spending their days slowly soaring or perching, meticulously scanning the water for their preferred prey. They often roost communally in groups, especially outside the breeding season, choosing tall trees or dense vegetation near water. Foraging involves a distinctive slo...
The Snail Kite boasts a wide Neotropical distribution, spanning from Florida in the southeastern United States, through Mexico and Central America, and extensively across South America, reaching Argentina. In Florida, the subspecies *Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus* is largely resident, concentrat...
Least Concern
- The Snail Kite's deeply curved, hook-like bill is one of the most specialized in the avian world, perfectly evolved to extract the entire body of an apple snail from its shell without breaking it. - They are one of the few bird species globally with an almost obligate diet, relying nearly entir...