ML645437109

Observation details

Snail Kite at Spring Hammock Preserve on November 10, 2025. Multiple photographs obtained and Merlin Sound ID confirmation. Group consisted of 1 adult male, 1 adult female, and 4 juveniles observed over 30-minute period. Underparts: Adult male showed uniform dark slate-gray underparts. Female and juveniles displayed heavily streaked brown underparts on buff background - distinctive pattern unlike any other Florida raptor. Head Pattern: Adult male entirely dark slate-gray. Female and juveniles showed diagnostic buff-colored face with prominent buffy supercilium contrasting with darker crown - key identification feature for female/immature Snail Kites. Upperparts: Adult male uniformly dark slate-gray. Prominent white uppertail coverts and white tail base visible on all ages - diagnostic field mark. Female and juveniles showed brown mottled upperparts with same white rump/tail base pattern. Bill Structure: Diagnostic thin, deeply hooked bill on all individuals - unlike any other regional raptor. Bill bright orange-red on adult male, darker on female and juveniles. Bill shape specialized for extracting apple snails. Hook extreme and immediately diagnostic. Eye: Adult male showed bright red eyes - key field mark. Female and juveniles showed darker eyes as expected. Size and Structure: Medium-sized raptor comparable to Red-shouldered Hawk. Wings broad and paddle-shaped in flight. Tail square-tipped and relatively short. Legs long and orange-red. Behavior: Birds actively hunting apple snails over marsh. Observed hovering and perch-hunting from low snags. Multiple individuals observed carrying apple snails and extracting them - species' specialized feeding behavior. Flight buoyant and harrier-like with shallow dihedral. Vocalizations confirmed via Merlin Sound ID. Documentation: Extensive photographs showing white rump, hooked bill, plumage patterns of all ages, red eyes on adult male, and birds carrying apple snails. Merlin Sound ID confirmation. Closest approach 50 feet. Observation Details: Duration: 30 minutes Distance: As close as 50 feet Equipment: Nikon Z9 with 600mm f/4 Key field marks: White uppertail coverts and tail base (diagnostic) Extremely hooked, thin bill for snail extraction Adult male: slate-gray plumage, red eyes, orange-red bill Female/juveniles: streaked brown underparts, buff face Orange-red legs Paddle-shaped wings Birds carrying and extracting apple snails Merlin Sound ID confirmation Eliminated species: Northern Harrier: ELIMINATED by hooked raptor bill, white extending to tail base not just rump, different flight style, and birds carrying snails Red-shouldered Hawk: ELIMINATED by white tail base, thin hooked bill, paddle-shaped wings, and streaked underparts on female/juveniles Broad-winged Hawk: ELIMINATED by white rump/tail base, specialized bill, paddle wings, and snail-carrying behavior Context: Appropriate for November in central Florida wetlands. Snail Kite is Florida specialty with limited U.S. range. Spring Hammock Preserve within core range. Six individuals including juveniles indicates healthy local population. Confidence level: CERTAIN based on photographic documentation of diagnostic features, observed snail-extraction behavior, and Merlin Sound ID confirmation. Just seen by Avery and Hayden.