boat grackle on his back while snail kite screams. The species was listed as endangered in 1967. Eggs Currently in Florida, usually 2-3. Snail Kite in Florida We were very fortunate to see 2 snail kites in Florida. The snail kite is a medium-sized raptor, about the size of a red-shouldered hawk. 1. Since 1950 the Snail Kite has been widely studied in North America, but has received less attention in Central and South America. Today, the population is considered to be stable, but extremely vulnerable to the stresses of habitat loss, prolonged droughts and anything that affects the availability of apple snails, its primary food. One of the most dramatic raptors found in Florida is the White-tailed Kite, Elanus leucaris. Particularly good spots to see snail kites include the area west of the Miccosukee Restaurant along the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades and also west of Canoe Creek Road along the eastern side of Lake Kissimmee. Once a snail has been snagged using their talons, the kite flies to a tree or shrub to perch. Photographed at Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland, Florida. Florida is the only state in the United States in which the snail kite breeds. Possibly the same one. They are found in tropical marshlands and lake shores, and theyfeed almost exclusively on Apple Snails. They have been seen feeding on crayfish in areas where the population of Apple Snails has depleted, but their talons are […] And lionfish, found in the waters surrounding Florida, have decimated the area’s marine species. This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you. Snail Kites are abundant in parts of Central and South America but, in the U.S., these birds number less than two thousand and … Snail Kite. It is also commonly found from south Texas to California, and is rare along the Gulf Coast and to the north. Snail kite photo by Dario Sanches / Wikimedia . It is, however, a widespread neotropical species, breeding from Mexico south to Ecuador and Brazil. Snail kites nest during February to August in Florida. In Florida, it … Snail kites are believed to primarily prey on these species of apple snails. Although three subspecies of Snail Kite have been recognized in the past, current research suggests none are valid (see Systematics). The slightly larger female is dark brown above with a white forehead and throat. University of Florida provides effective research and technical knowledge of snail kites in a timely manner to guide resource managers and decision makers. Title: Comprehensive Monitoring Plan for Snail Kites and Apple Snails in the Greater Everglades Abstract: The endangered snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is a wetland-dependent raptor feeding almost exclusively on a single species of aquatic snail, the Florida apple snail … The first sighting was a boat grackle chasing the snail kite out of his area. ... Florida snail kites have always preferred the apple snail native to Florida’s marshes. Female Snail Kite It was a very overcast morning but I got a chance to see two snail kites fairly close. Nor is the snail kite’s future secure. “Habitat destruction is a continuing threat, as much of the snail kite’s home has been lost to farming and development,” says Frank Jackalone, Florida Chapter director for the Sierra Club. Love the beak on this bird and colouring . The Florida snail kite is aptly named - it feeds almost exclusively on apple snails and, in the United States, is found only in Florida. Here's one. If you would like to use it, please contact me via Flickr mail. "We are absolutely thrilled to see the number of snail kites increase at Paynes Prairie," said Debbie Segal, president of theAlachua Audubon Society. by Bill Thompson, III | Editor, Bird Watcher's Digest.