Rostrhamus sociabilis

Banding code: SNKI

Snail kits are a very interesting bird within the kite family. They range across parts of South and Central America. In North America, they are a unique species that can typically only be found in central and southern Florida. The majority of their sustenance stems from apple snails. Apple snails are very large between 2-4 inches. The snail kite’s upper bill is very sharply curved allowing it to access the flesh within the shell.

Here are just a few of an adult male snail kite’s notable characteristics:

• Sharply curved bill 

• Dark orange bill and legs
• Red eye
• Overall a dark slate gray bird
• White tail with a thick gray band 
• Thick broad wings