Feeding Strategy of the Snail Kite, (Rosthramus Sociabilis) in the Escobalito Reservoir, Toluviejo (Sucre, Colombia)

The feeding strategy of Rostrhamus sociabilis (Accipitridae: Accipitriformes) is studied in The Escobalito reservoir, Toluviejo municipality, Department of Sucre, Colombia. This kite feeds almost exclusively on aquatic molluscs. The type and daily quantity of the species it uses is hereby analyzed, as is the frequency of the catches throughout the day and the characteristics of that activity. This is the first report of the use of Marissa cornuarietis, in addition to Pomacea sp., by the snail kite. The number of individuals of this species that it consumes is greater than that of Pomacea sp., which could be due to their greater availability and smaller size. Capture frequency is higher in the early hours of the morning and the last hours of the afternoon, with short time intervals between each. These kites ingest more frequently shells of intermediate size of both species.