Snail Kite Similar Species Comparison

Adult male

In flight note broad wings and triangular-shaped tail with a dark band on a white tail. Adult males have reddish orange legs and a thin hooked reddish orange bill with a black tip.

Female/immature

Adult male

Found in marshes and other bodies of water with marsh edge where it forages for apple snails. This video has no audio.

Adult male

Dark gray above and below with white under tail coverts. Bill and legs are reddish orange.

Female

Females are brown above with streaking below. Most females have a white eyebrow. Note thin, curved bill.

Female

Females are brown overall with a distinctive white eyebrow. This video has no audio.

Juvenile

Juveniles are dark brown above with a buffy face and dark streaking on a buffy belly. Note entirely dark bill and yellow legs.

Immature male

Adult male

Flies with slow and somewhat floppy wingbeats. Note broad wings and white upper tail.

Male

Habitat

Typical habitat includes freshwater marshes, edges of shallow lakes, and other flat-water courses with marsh edge.