The Snail Kite is a unique bird found only in Florida, Cuba, and parts of Central and South America. In Florida, Snail Kites are found predominantly in the central and southern regions of the state. Some of the best places to spot these fascinating birds are detailed below.
What is a Snail Kite?
The Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is a medium-sized raptor that is highly specialized in its diet. As the name suggests, Snail Kites feed almost exclusively on apple snails. Their long, curved beaks allow them to deftly extract snails from their shells.
Snail Kites have light gray plumage on their back and tail, with white undersides. They have a black mask around their eyes and red legs and feet. Their wingspan is around 4 feet, making them one of the larger birds of prey in Florida.
Snail Kites build nests in marsh grasses, laying 2-3 eggs at a time. They can be found alone, in pairs, or in small family groups. Outside of breeding season, they may congregate in larger flocks of up to 100 birds.
Where to See Snail Kites in Florida
Lake Okeechobee
Lake Okeechobee in southern Florida is one of the most reliable places to spot Snail Kites. The marshy shores of the lake provide ideal habitat for both the birds and their apple snail prey. Some specific areas around Lake Okeechobee to look for kites include:
- Monkey Box
- Lakeport
- Harney Pond Canal
- Kissimmee River
Lake Okeechobee can be accessed from several points around its perimeter. Stop at observation platforms and scan the shallows of the lake for hunting kites.
Everglades National Park
The vast wetlands of Everglades National Park also support a healthy population of Snail Kites. Prime snail kite viewing areas in the park include:
- Shark Valley
- Eco Pond
- Long Pine Key
- Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook
Be sure to bring binoculars or a spotting scope to observe kites at a distance in the expansive Everglades. Early morning is often the best time to spot them.
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge near West Palm Beach contains excellent snail kite habitat. The freshwater marsh has an extensive apple snail population, making it attractive to foraging kites. The refuge has a 5-mile wildlife drive loop that offers great viewing opportunities.
Other Sites
Some other top sites in Florida to see Snail Kites include:
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Stormwater Treatment Area 5 (STA-5)
- Lake Apopka
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Carr Refuge along the St. Johns River
Best Times to See Snail Kites
Snail Kites can be found in Florida year-round, but there are some times that are better than others for spotting them:
- Breeding season – December to July. More territorial activity and nesting birds.
- Post-breeding gathering – Larger flocks form from August to October.
- Morning – Most active hunting in early morning hours.
- Rainy days – Kites are more visible hunting during and after rainfall.
Avoiding the hottest mid-day hours and seeking out concentrations of apple snails in wetlands will also increase your chances of seeing Snail Kites.
Snail Kite Viewing Tips
Here are some useful tips to help you spot Snail Kites on your next trip:
- Use binoculars and scan over large open wetlands.
- Listen for their distinctive rattling call.
- Look for kites perched on branches overhanging the water.
- Watch for hovering and diving activity over wetland edges.
- Aim for areas with an abundance of apple snails.
- Visit known snail kite hotspots and consult recent eBird sightings.
- Be patient – Snail Kites can be tough to spot on windy or overcast days.
Fun Facts About Snail Kites
- Snail Kites are the only raptor species specialized in hunting for mollusks.
- Their curved, hooked bill is perfectly adapted for pulling snails out of their shells.
- Snail Kites swallow apple snails whole and later regurgitate the shells in “pellets”.
- They stir the water with their talons to bring snails to the surface.
- Snail Kites migrate partially in response to apple snail population booms and busts.
- They were endangered in the past but conservation efforts have increased their numbers.
Conservation Status
Snail Kites remain a threatened species at both state and federal levels. However, conservation measures have allowed their population to recover significantly compared to historical lows. Primary threats today include habitat loss, water management practices, and exotic species impacting native apple snail populations.
There are approximately 3,500 Snail Kites in Florida, out of a total of around 5,000 worldwide. Birders who are lucky enough to spot one of these unique raptors can be pleased to know they are making a comeback.
Conclusion
For bird enthusiasts visiting Florida, seeing a Snail Kite should be a top priority. Their highly specialized hunting behavior and adaptation to wetland environments make them a fascinating species to observe. With a little preparation and by visiting the prime Snail Kite sites around the state, you stand a good chance of catching sight of these birds in action.
