Central Florida Birding Part 3: The Snail Kites of Lake Kissimmee

Lake Kissimmee is one of the best places in Florida to observe the endangered Everglade Snail Kite—a raptor found nowhere else in the United States. These unique birds have become a symbol of Florida’s wetland habitats and the ongoing conservation efforts needed to protect them.

However, the adventure begins long before setting foot on a boat. The road leading to the Lake Kissimmee boat ramp, known as Joe Overstreet Road, is itself a birding hotspot. Agricultural fields stretch out on both sides, alive with activity. As we drove in, we spotted Sandhill Cranes strolling through the fields, Wild Turkeys foraging, and Turkey Vultures circling overhead. On the power lines, a Loggerhead Shrike perched watchfully, while the unmistakable song of an Eastern Meadowlark filled the air—a beautiful and unexpected treat. Northern Mockingbirds and Common Grackles added their voices and flashes of movement to the roadside scene.

Arriving at the parking lot, we were greeted by a Great Crested Caracara standing boldly in the middle of the road, feasting on a small rodent. The caracara seemed unbothered by our presence, continuing its meal with calm determination. But the peace didn’t last long—a pair of Northern Mockingbirds swooped in, intent on harassing the much larger bird. What followed was a brief, spirited aerial battle, with all three birds circling, diving, and squawking. Eventually, the caracara returned to its meal, seemingly unfazed by the commotion.

Snail Kite on Lake Kissimmee

About Snail Kites

The Everglade Snail Kite is a medium-sized raptor, about 14–15 inches long. Males are slate gray with striking red eyes and orange legs, while females are brown with red eyes and yellow to orange legs, often streaked with white on the face, neck, and chest. Juveniles resemble females but have more cinnamon or buff streaking. Their most distinctive feature is a sharply curved bill, perfectly adapted for extracting apple snails from their shells. Snail kites inhabit shallow freshwater marshes and grassy lake shorelines. In central Florida, they are most reliably found along the margins of Lake Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee, and Lake Tohopekaliga. 

Snail kites are dietary specialists, feeding almost exclusively on apple snails (Pomacea spp.). They hunt by flying slowly and low over shallow, clear water or by perching above the marsh, watching intently for movement below the surface. When they spot a snail, they drop down, snatch it with their talons, and then return to a perch to extract the snail from its shell using their hooked bill. They often transfer the snail from foot to bill while in flight or perched. The Everglade Snail Kite is federally listed as endangered. The main threats are wetland loss, water management, and invasive species. Water level fluctuations—caused by flood control, drought, and development—affect snail and kite populations by altering habitat and food availability

Snail Kite

On the Water: Seeking the Snail Kites

Once aboard the boat, we headed toward the lake’s marshy edges—the prime feeding grounds for the Snail Kites. In the distance, we could see the kites making graceful passes over the vegetation, searching for apple snails. A gentle southwest wind, our guide Eric pointed out, provided perfect conditions for observing the kites in flight. Their buoyant, effortless gliding and sudden dives made for spectacular viewing.

We cruised parallel to their feeding grounds, watching as the kites hovered, then plunged down to snatch snails from the water. Through long lenses, I had several opportunities to photograph the kites as they expertly cracked open snail shells and extracted their prey. Up close, the beauty of these birds is striking: sleek gray plumage, piercing red eyes, and bright yellow beaks and talons. Their keen eyesight allows them to detect the slightest movement in the water, signaling the presence of a snail.

Snail Kite with an Apple Snail

A Lake Alive With Birds

Lake Kissimmee is not just about the Snail Kites. The lake was teeming with birdlife wherever I looked. Noisy Limpkins called from the banks, their raucous cries echoing across the water. Green Herons fished among the reeds, close to where the kites were hunting. Closer to shore, a Great Egret, a Tricolored Heron (which surprised me by diving from the dock—something I’d never seen before), and a Little Blue Heron were all feeding in the shallows. Anhingas perched with wings outstretched, drying in the sun, while Boat-tailed Grackles chattered noisily. High above, Ospreys patrolled the skies, and in the distance, a large eagle’s nest stood sentinel, with adults keeping watch from a nearby perch.

Limpkin

Final Thoughts

Lake Kissimmee is a true birding paradise. The combination of open fields, marshy shores, and expansive lake habitats creates a haven for a remarkable variety of birds. Observing the endangered Snail Kites in their natural environment, alongside so many other species, is a privilege and a reminder of the importance of protecting these wild places.

Tip for Your Visit:
Bring binoculars, a camera with a long lens, and plenty of patience. Early mornings and evenings are best for bird activity, and a knowledgeable guide like Eric can make all the difference in spotting and understanding the birds’ behaviors.

Next in this series:
I will continue our exploration of one of Central Florida’s birding hotspots—Stick Marsh.