About the Snail Kite
The snail kite is a bird of prey within the family Accipitridae, which also includes the eagles, hawks, and Old World vultures. Its relative, the slender-billed kite, is now again placed in Helicolestes, making the genus Rostrhamus monotypic. Usually, it is placed in the Milvine kites, but the validity of that grouping is under investigation.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Snail kites are 36 to 48 cm (14 to 19 in) long with a 99–120 cm (39–47 in) wingspan. They weigh from 300 to 570 g (11 to 20 oz). There is very limited sexual dimorphism, with the female averaging only 3% larger than the male. They have long, broad, and rounded wings, which measure 29–33 cm (11–13 in) each. Its tail is long, at 16–21 cm (6.3–8.3 in), with a white rump and undertail coverts. The dark, deeply hooked beak, measuring 2.9–4 cm (1.1–1.6 in) is an adaptation to its diet. The tarsus is relatively long as well, measuring 3.6–5.7 cm (1.4–2.2 in).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Snail Kite sounds like
Where the Snail Kite lives
When to see the Snail Kite
Peak activity in January · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Wedge-tailed EagleAquila audaxWedge-tailed eagles are large birds with a characteristically black appearance, although they can appear tar to charcoal brown, depending on lighting and individual variation.
Ferruginous HawkButeo regalisThis is the largest of the North American Buteos and is often mistaken for an eagle due to its size, proportions, and behavior.
Crested Honey BuzzardPernis ptilorhynchusAbout 57–60 cm (22–24 in) in size, the crested honey buzzard is a fairly large raptor.
Side by side: Crested Honey Buzzard vs Snail Kite · Snail Kite vs Wedge-tailed Eagle · Ferruginous Hawk vs Snail Kite
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