FAMILY ACCIPITRIDAE 



l8l 



The very slender, much hooked bill, and equally slender daws, 

 coupled with the white rump and base of tail, are diagnostic. The 

 outermost primary is definitely notched, the next 4 sinuate in decreas- 

 ing amount. 



Fig. "hi. — Everglade kite, gavilan caracolero, Rostrhamtis sociabilis sociabilis. 



Measurements.— Males, wing 325-341 (332.5), tail 164-182 

 (172.1), culmen from cere 24.5-26.5 (25.2), tarsus 49-54 (51.5) mm. 



Females, wing 338-350 (342) ; tail 167.5-188 (175) ; culmen from 

 cere 24-25 (24.6), tarsus 47-51 (49) mm. 



Rare. The only record is that of a female, in full immature dress, 

 taken by Wedel on March 22, 1929, at Perme, San Bias. 



This kite frequents fresh-water marshes where it feeds on the 

 large apple snails (Pomacea). It is rare in southern Central Amer- 

 ica. 



