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. Raptors are also impressive fliers. When a male Kite wants to show off to attract a mate, he swoops, glides, and dives in the air. Then he brings the female Kite food or nesting material. The Snail Kite lays two to four eggs every spring.