Snail Kite
Rostrhamus sociabilis
Florida’s Snail Kite is a highly specialized wetland raptor whose survival is closely tied to healthy marshes and apple snails.
Florida’s Snail Kite is a highly specialized wetland raptor whose survival is closely tied to healthy marshes and apple snails.
A slender marsh raptor with long wings, a deeply curved bill, and broad white at the base of the tail. Adult males are slate gray; females and juveniles are brown and streaked.
Flies low over marshes, perches near open water, and often carries a snail to a feeding perch.
Harmless to people. Keep well back from feeding and nesting birds and never approach an active nest.
The Florida population is protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Do not harass, capture, feed, or disturb nests.
Habitat:
Freshwater Wetlands, Lakes and Ponds
Area / Range:
Central Florida, South Florida
Diet:
Feeds mainly on apple snails, which it lifts from shallow water and extracts with its specialized hooked bill.
Behavior:
Flies low over marshes, perches near open water, and often carries a snail to a feeding perch.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Daylight hours near shallow wetlands, especially where apple snails are abundant
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Federally Endangered
Safety Level:
Observe From a Distance
Safety Information:
Harmless to people. Keep well back from feeding and nesting birds and never approach an active nest.
Benefits to Property:
Its presence signals productive wetland habitat and adds exceptional bird-watching value near lakes and marshes.
Property Concerns:
Wetland drainage, shoreline hardening, and disturbance near nests can reduce habitat quality.
Fun Fact:
Its bill is shaped for removing snails from shells. The Florida population was once called the Everglade Snail Kite.
Wildlife Laws:
The Florida population is protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Do not harass, capture, feed, or disturb nests.
Identification:
A slender marsh raptor with long wings, a deeply curved bill, and broad white at the base of the tail. Adult males are slate gray; females and juveniles are brown and streaked.