Snail Kite
© Meaghan Manning
Formerly known as the Everglades Kite, the Snail Kite can be found year-round in central and south Florida. This federally endangered species frequents freshwater wetlands where its primary food source, the apple snail, is abundant. During the winter, Snail Kites often form roosts in south Florida. Their population fluctuates from year to year, depending on suitable water levels and the food supply. As of fall 2008, it is estimated to be 700 to 800 birds, down from several thousand in the 1990s. Due to drought in south Florida in recent years, many Snail Kites have moved northward to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes area in search of food.
For more information, including a range map and sound recording, visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds website.
Recommended GFBWT sites:
- Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Blue Cypress Conservation Area
- City of West Palm Beach Grassy Waters Preserve
- Everglades National Park: Main Entrance and Shark Valley
- Kissimmee Lakefront Park
- Lake Kissimmee State Park
- Makinson Island Nature Preserve
-
Stormwater Treatment Area 5
Bird's habitat
The Snail Kite frequents freshwater marshes and wetlands where its primary food sources, apple snails, are found.
