Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) seen 5/2/2017 at the Babcock/ Webb WMA in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Female? Or maybe a juvenile?
Not a great photo....into the sun...but shows the downward curve of the wings. This tropical bird is found in the U.S. only in southern Florida.....and Punta Gorda would be at the northern edge of it's range.
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Wikipedia map
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| Olivia Scott photo |
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Olivia Scott photo
This close-up shows the specialized bill for feeding on apple snails. The Sibley Guide says the Marsh Hawk can be mistaken for a Snail Kite....but the bills are a key.
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