This round-winged kite feeds exclusively on apple snails of the genus Pomacea, found in shallow ponds and swampy places. The kite's slender, sharply hooked bill easily extracts the living animal from the unbroken shell.

description 16-18" (41-46 cm). W. 3' 8" (1.1 m). A crow-sized bird of prey with long, thin, strongly hooked bill; broad, rounded wings; and dark tail with white base. Male dark slate in color, with base of bill, face, and feet reddish. Female and immature have brown upperparts and heavily streaked breast; base of bill yellowish; feet dull orange or pinkish.

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