Hook-billed kite

The hook-billed kite, is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, eagles, and harriers. It occurs in the Americas, including the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and tropical South America.

Distribution

Region

Neotropics

Typical Environment

Found from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas south through Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America into much of tropical South America. Prefers humid lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, riparian corridors, mangroves, and tall second growth. It typically hunts within or just below the canopy, perching to scan for prey. Occurs locally and can be patchy, tracking areas with abundant arboreal snails. In the United States it is rare and localized in southern Texas.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size38–46 cm

Wing Span80–95 cm

Male Weight0.25 kg

Female Weight0.35 kg

Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This kite has an exceptionally variable, deeply hooked bill that is specialized for extracting snails from their shells, and its size and shape vary geographically with local prey. It is surprisingly cryptic and often sits quietly beneath the canopy, making it easy to overlook despite a wide range. Plumage is notably polymorphic, ranging from gray to rufous and brown morphs. It overlaps with the Snail Kite in parts of its range but uses more wooded habitats and a broader diet.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and unobtrusive

Flight Pattern

slow flap-and-glide with occasional soaring

Social Behavior

Usually solitary or in pairs; territories are maintained in suitable forested habitat. Nests are placed high in trees; clutch size is small and both parents attend the young. Courtship includes aerial displays and calling near the nesting territory.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are thin, whistled notes and piping calls, often delivered from a perch within the canopy. Calls may become more frequent near the nest or during displays.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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