The Cuban kite is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, eagles and harriers. It is endemic to Cuba.
Region
Greater Antilles (Cuba)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid broadleaf and evergreen forests of eastern Cuba, especially in relatively undisturbed tracts. It favors mature forest with dense canopy and abundant arboreal snails, often along ridges, forested valleys, and riverine corridors. The species may also use secondary growth near intact forest edges where snails remain plentiful. It perches quietly and hunts within the canopy and subcanopy, making short sallies to foliage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive raptor is endemic to Cuba and is among the world’s rarest birds of prey. It specializes in feeding on arboreal land snails, using its deeply hooked bill to extract them from their shells. The species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and declines in native snail populations. Most recent confirmed records are from eastern Cuba, where it persists in humid forests.
Temperament
solitary and elusive
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with slow, buoyant wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs and likely maintains territories in suitable forest. Breeding is thought to involve a stick nest placed high in tall trees with a small clutch, typical of kites. Both adults probably share incubation and chick-rearing duties. Overall, it is secretive and difficult to detect.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet, giving thin, whistled or mewing calls at low volume. Vocalizations are heard most often during courtship or pair contact within dense forest.
Plumage
unknown
Diet
Primarily consumes arboreal land snails (including brightly colored tree snails), extracting the soft body with its powerful, laterally compressed bill. It may occasionally take insects or small vertebrates, but snails are considered its main prey. The bird often sits and scans foliage, then moves carefully among branches to pluck snails from leaves and trunks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the canopy and subcanopy of humid evergreen forest where snail densities are high. Forest edges, riparian corridors, and mature secondary growth adjacent to intact forest are also used.
