Scientific name Helicolestes hamatus Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Higher classification Helicolestes | |
 | ||
Genus HelicolestesBangs & T.E Penard, 1918 Similar Black‑faced hawk, Slate‑coloured hawk, Rufous‑thighed kite, Chondrohierax, Double‑toothed kite | ||
Slender billed kite
The slender-billed kite (Helicolestes hamatus) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes the eagles, hawks and Old World vultures. It is found near water in forested parts of tropical northern and central South America, and far eastern Panama.
Contents
- Slender billed kite
- Gavi o do igap come caracol slender billed kite eats snail
- Description
- Diet
- References
Gavi o do igap come caracol slender billed kite eats snail
Description
Both genders resemble the male snail kite, and the slender-billed kite has often been included in the same genus, Rostrhamus. Adults always have yellow eyes and the all-dark tail is noticeably shorter than in the snail kite. Immatures resemble adults, but have brownish eyes and three (incl. tip) narrow white bands in the tail.
Diet
As in the snail kite, the unusually shaped bill is an adaption for feeding on aquatic snails, and while it sometimes takes crabs, it mainly feeds on snails of the genus Pomacea.
