The endangered snail kite may be biting off more than it can chew with its preferred prey. According to the University of Florida News, snail kites feed on apple snails, which normally reach the size of a golf ball. In recent years, however, invasive island apple snails from South America are causing problems for young raptors. The invasive snails reach the size of a tennis ball, and juvenile birds have trouble gripping them to feed. This leads to malnourishment and a rising mortality rate among young birds.

It is hoped that controlling the invasive island apple snail population may help the local snail numbers rebound, encouraging snail kites to use a more appropriate food source. There are fewer than 700 snail kites in the United States, and their range is restricted to the Everglades.

Is the snail kite on your life list? Share your sightings in the comments!

Snail Kite
Photo © dfaulder

Snails Too Big to Swallow originally appeared on About.com Birding / Wild Birds on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 10:07:40.

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