The snail kite (Rostrahamus sociabilis plumbeus) is currently listed as endangered throughout its range on both state and federal endangered species lists. Its size and shape are that of a red-shouldered hawk but it differs from the hawk in that it is generally dark brown (female) or slate black (male), with white at the base of its tail. The beak of the snail kite is narrow with a pronounced hook. This adaptation allows it to eat its primary food source, the applesnail, which it snatches in its talons from the water while hovering. Snail kites seldom take other prey, but they have been known to catch small turtles and crayfish when snails are scarce. The specialized diet renders the snail kite extremely habitat specific to shallow, long hydro-period marshes that contain sufficient applesnail populations, where the snails are visible and the water surface is not obscured by dense vegetation. Sloughs with scattered emergent vegetation and long hydro-period wet prairies are optimal habitats, provided that trees are locally available for late night perching.

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