SCIENTIFIC NAME: Rostrhamus sociabilis
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
The snail kite has a body length of 16-18 inches, nearly a 4-foot wingspan, and weighs 12-14 ounces. The plumage of the snail kite shows sexual dimorphism. The male is solidly blue-black and the female is streaked brown with white on her face.
RANGE
Florida, a few of the Caribbean Islands, Central America, and South America. Its range is limited to marshy areas that contain specific types of snails. HABITAT Tropical and subtropical lowland swamps and marshes with scant vegetation
NESTING
Snail kites nest in colonies in trees. The nest is built of sticks on a thin branch. The female lays 2-4 eggs that are incubated by both parents for 26-28 days. The young kites fledge at six or seven weeks. Snail kites may have more than one clutch in a season and become sexually mature in less than a year. The female snail kite sometimes deserts the male, leaving him to finish raising the nestlings while she searches for a new mate to raise a second clutch of eggs.
FEEDING HABITS
The snail kite is one of the most specialized feeders of any bird of prey. Their beaks are specially adapted to extract aquatic snails from their shells. They will also eat fresh-water crabs, turtles, and small rodents if snails are not available. Snail kites hunt from a perch or by flying low over suitable habitat looking for snails.