Today the Snail Kite is in trouble: it is listed by both the State of Florida and the federal government as an endangered species. Much of its habitat has been drained, other parts inundated to depths that suit neither snails nor their namesake kites. Water quality has declined and with it, Everglade Snail Kite populations have as well.
Read more. Help secure the future for birds at risk from climate change, habitat loss and other threats. Your support will power our science, education, advocacy and on-the-ground conservation efforts. Priority Bird. In the wide-open marshes of central Florida, this broad-winged bird glides slowly and low over the sawgrass.
It has no need for fast flight, because it seeks only snails -- and only one particular sort, the apple snail. This snail is strongly affected by water levels, and drainage of wetlands has hurt populations of both the snail and the kite.
The Florida race of this bird, formerly called Everglades Kite, is now endangered. Photo gallery. Feeding Behavior Hunts by gliding slowly and low over marsh, dropping to pick up snail with one foot from surface of water or plants.
Eggs Currently in Florida, usually Young Both parents feed the young at first, bringing them snails. Diet Large snails. Nesting Usually nests in loose colonies. Climate threats facing the Snail Kite Choose a temperature scenario below to see which threats will affect this species as warming increases. More News. When In Drought… Climate When it comes to droughts, the costs of climate change are too high for both birds and people.
Bipartisan Water Legislation Advances in Senate Audubon Advisory Every two years Congress works to pass water resources legislation, which can authorize billions of dollars in conservation funding for.
Snail Kite Across Audubon. The spread of large exotic apple snails from South America may affect young snail kites, as they have a harder time eating the adult exotic snails.
The U. Fish and Wildlife Service recommends staying at least feet from any active snail kite nest, which are marked with warning signs in areas where human disturbance is likely. Federal Recovery Plan. Geological Survey Printable version of this page. Florida Natural Areas Inventory. Field guide to the rare animals of Florida. Sykes, Jr. Rodgers, Jr.
Poole, Ed. Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis. Least Concern. Share this raptor:. Did you know? Though the females aren't noticeably bigger than the males, their plumage patterns are quite different.
The male is an overall blue-black color; the female is streaked brown with white on her face. Of all the birds of prey in the world, the Snail Kite is one of the most specialized feeders. They eat primarily freshwater snails.
The Snail Kite's specialized diet restricts it to certain habitats and makes it vulnerable if the habitat is destroyed or altered. Other Kites. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus. Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus. See all Kites See all species. How The Peregrine Fund is helping Though The Peregrine Fund doesn't work directly with Snail Kites, our efforts in scientific research, habitat conservation, education, and community development help conserve raptors on a global scale.
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