Snail kite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snail Kite |
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| Snail kite | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Subfamily: |
Milvinae (disputed)
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| Genus: |
Rostrhamus
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| Binomial name | |
| Rostrhamus sociabilis |
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The snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is a special type of bird of prey. It belongs to the Accipitridae family. This family also includes other well-known birds like eagles, hawks, and Old World vultures.
Contents
What Does the Snail Kite Look Like?
Snail kites are medium-sized birds. They are usually about 36 to 48 cm (14 to 19 in) (14 to 19 inches) long. Their wings can spread wide, from 99–120 cm (39–47 in) (39 to 47 inches) across. These birds weigh between 300 to 570 grams (11 to 20 oz) (11 to 20 ounces).
They have long, wide, and rounded wings. Their tail is also long and has a white area near the body. A key feature is their dark, strongly hooked beak. This beak is about 2.9–4 cm (1.1–1.6 in) (1.1 to 1.6 inches) long.
Snail kites fly slowly. They often look down while flying to spot their food.
What Do Snail Kites Eat?
Snail kites mostly eat large apple snails. Their special hooked beak helps them pull the snails out of their shells. This makes them very good at finding and eating these specific snails.
Where Do Snail Kites Live?
Snail kites live in warm, tropical areas. You can find them in South America, the Caribbean, and parts of the United States. In the U.S., they live in central and southern Florida.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Snail kites build their nests in a bush or sometimes on the ground. A female snail kite usually lays 3 to 4 eggs.
Images for kids
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Juvenile Snail Kite
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Adult male Everglades Snail Kite in Florida.
See also
In Spanish: Caracolero común para niños
