Everglades: The Snail Kite

Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) with Apple Snail - Water Conservation Area 3A, Florida

Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) with Apple Snail - Water Conservation Area 3A, Florida

One of the nation’s most unique and rarest raptor is the Snail or Everglades Kite.  This spectacular bird feeds only on the large apple snails found in the flooded prairies and marshes of the southern Florida.  It is currently listed as an Endangered species and can be difficult to find, much less photograph in southern Florida.  It should be noted that a substantial population, though a different subspecies, can be found in marshes throughout Central and South America.

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