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Habitat

Habitat is probably the single most important aspect of conserving our native wildlife. Widespread drainage of wetlands in Florida during the early part of the 1900s is the most likely reason that Snail Kites declined to what many thought was less than 50 birds. Although Snail Kites increased in numbers during the latter half of the century, they are still considered endangered today. It is only through conservation of habitat, that we can expect Snail Kites to recover to a healthy population. in Florida.

Habitat must take into account all of the different needs of the birds. For example, habitat during the nesting season must have suitable sites to nest that are reasonably well protected from predators and disturbance.

.... but it must also be close to places where there is a sufficient number of snails to feed themselves and their young, in habitats where they can capture them.

For nesting habitat, what is needed are sites that have good structural support, so that nests won't collapse under the weight or during high winds.

.... but, the nest sites must also be relatively safe from disturbance and predators, such as snakes and raccoons, which is why they tend to be in well protected areas and almost always over water.

Good foraging habitat has very different characteristics than nesting habitat. First, Snail Kites catch apple snails near the water surface.

This occurs most often when snails climb to the surface to breathe. Thus, good foraging habitat must have emergent vegetation for the snails to climb.

... but, since Snail Kites hunt by sight, there can't be so much emergent vegetation so as to obscure their ability to see snails below the water surface.

It occurs throughout much of the graminoid (grassy) marshes of the Everglades.

This combination of conditions can occur in a variety of situations.

It may also occur in cypress prairie habitats.

It also occurs in the shallow littoral zone surrounding many of the lakes, especially at Lake Okeechobee and within the Kissimmee chain-of-lakes.

For many years, scientists and mangers believed that areas needed to be inundated permanently to be good habitat. When areas went dry, the Snail Kites would leave, as food became scarce. They also believed that drying would increase mortality of the birds and decrease reproduction. While these effects may be true for extreme widespread droughts, we now also believe that periodic drying may be necessary for maintaining the vegetation that provides good habitat for kites and other species. During dry periods, Snail Kites will leave the area in search of areas that are still wet. This allows many of the plant species to rejuvenate, and will be detrimental to the kites only if we have not protected enough area for them to find suitable places where they can move.