Both parents share incubation duties as each parent will make a “ku-wak” sound when it is time for a change-over of incubation duties (Sykes 1987). The Florida population endures a peak egg laying period 81 days before the rainy season in the middle of May, when they can lay up to four eggs per clutch. Males do most of the nest building which are built over water to reduce access to the nest by predators. The sticks are insulated with green nest material that forms a cup to hold the eggs (U.S. The nest is a woven configuration of dry sticks and dry plant material. Other mating displays include flying with a stick in their mouth and vocalizations. Males bring food and nesting material as part of their mating behavior (courtship). Usually, it is placed in the milvine kites, but the validity of that grouping is under investigation. Its relative, the slender-billed kite, is now again placed in Helicolestes, making the genus Rostrhamus monotypic. The Everglade snail kite nests throughout the year, with a peak nesting season between the months of February and July. The snail kite is a bird of prey within the family Accipitridae, which also includes the eagles, hawks, and Old World vultures. Snail kites hunt for snails by flying slowly or perching over sparsely-vegetated lake shores or marshes, and grabbing snails with their feet that are within six inches (16 centimeters) of the water’s surface. The Everglade snail kite feeds almost exclusively on apple snails ( Pomacea), which are captured at or near the water’s surface. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
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