In 1972, there were only 65 birds left. When the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973, the Snail Kite went on the list. The preservation of this species is working, if slowly. In 1997, Snail Kite population increased to 995 birds. The Snail Kite is a bird of prey, or raptor.
All raptors have some features in common.
Raptors need excellent eyesight for spotting their prey. They look independently out of each eye to see sideways, and they use both eyes to see straight ahead. Raptors use their feet to snatch up their prey, and each foot has four toes with long, curving claws called talons. Raptors also have sharp beaks. The Snail Kite s beak is long, curved, and just the right shape for extracting snails from their shells.