Cuban kite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cuban kite |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chondrohierax
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| Species: |
wilsonii
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The Cuban kite (Chondrohierax wilsonii) is a special type of bird of prey. It belongs to the Accipitridae family. This family also includes other daytime raptors. Some examples are kites, eagles, and harriers. This bird lives only on the island of Cuba.
Sadly, the Cuban kite is in great danger. Organizations like BirdLife International and the IUCN call it critically endangered. This means it faces a very high risk of disappearing forever. Experts believe there are only about 50 to 249 adult birds left. In the last 40 years, people have seen this bird only a few times. The most recent sighting was in 2010. It was spotted in Alejandro de Humboldt National Park.
For a long time, some thought the Cuban kite was a type of hook-billed kite. It was seen as a subspecies. But in 2022, this idea changed. Scientists studied the bird's mitochondrial DNA. This type of study is called molecular phylogenetics. It showed that the Cuban kite is its own unique species. It separated from other kites about 400,000 to 1.5 million years ago.
The main reason for the Cuban kite's decline is the loss of its forest home. Forests are being destroyed or damaged. Also, there are fewer snails for them to eat. Some local farmers also harm these birds. The Cuban kite is often calm around people. This makes it an easy target for those who might try to catch or shoot them.
What Does the Cuban Kite Look Like?
The Cuban kite is a bit smaller than the hook-billed kite. Male Cuban kites have gray feathers on their upper bodies. Their tails have black stripes. Their undersides have even stripes of gray and white.
Female Cuban kites look a bit like the Grenada hook-billed kite. But the brown stripes on their undersides are not as reddish. The Cuban kite has a yellowish beak. The hook-billed kite, in contrast, usually has a dark beak.
How Does the Cuban Kite Behave?
The Cuban kite mainly eats colorful tree snails and slugs. It finds these in the forest undergrowth. Its deeply hooked beak is perfect for catching these prey.
Scientists have studied different types of Chondrohierax birds. They noticed that their beaks and feather colors can vary a lot. This has made it hard to be sure about how different types are related. These birds live in many places. They are found from Central America to northern Argentina and Paraguay. They also live on islands like Cuba and Grenada.
Because of these differences, it's hard to know if different groups of these birds can easily move between areas. This makes it harder to protect them. Their numbers have gone down in many places.
See also
In Spanish: Gavilán caguarero para niños
