Hook-billed Kite
Chondrohierax uncinatus
Silhouette: Sheatherius · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderAccipitriformes (Hawks, Eagles, Kites, and Allies)
- FamilyAccipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- GenusChondrohierax (Hook-billed and Cuban Kites)
- SpeciesChondrohierax uncinatus (Hook-billed Kite)
About the Hook-billed Kite
The hook-billed kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus), is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, eagles, and harriers. It occurs in the Americas, including the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and tropical South America.
It is a mid-sized, slender raptor with a large hooked bill. There is extreme variation in bill size and plumage. Birds from beneath can look blackish or gray (especially males) and brown or brick-red (females) variously. This renders species identification at times extremely difficult. The downcurved hook at the tip of the beak is apparent on perched and low-flying birds. Weight can range from 215 to 397 g (7.6 to 14.0 oz) and length is 38–42 cm (15–16.5 in).
Tree snails (e.g. Bulimulus, Homolanyx, and Polymita) are a vital component of the hook-billed kite's diet. The density of their population within a region is proportional to the presence of tree snails. It has also been observed that the beak of the hook-billed kite has adapted in size and shape between different regions of their territory in response to the species... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Hook-billed Kite in Cahuita National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Cahuita National Park
Common Black-Hawk
Buteogallus anthracinus
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
Roadside Hawk
Rupornis magnirostris
Short-tailed Hawk
Buteo brachyurus
Black-collared Hawk
Busarellus nigricollis
Swainson's Hawk
Buteo swainsoni
Double-toothed Kite
Harpagus bidentatus
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
Semiplumbeous Hawk
Leucopternis semiplumbeus
Zone-tailed Hawk
Buteo albonotatus
American Swallow-tailed Kite
Elanoides forficatus
Gray-lined Hawk
Buteo nitidus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Hook-billed Kite in Cahuita National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Hook-billed Kite sighting in Cahuita National Park, based on 7 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Hook-billed Kite in Cahuita National Park?
December has the highest sighting rate for Hook-billed Kite in Cahuita National Park in our monthly data.