Breeding activity of Snail Kites in the 'Stair-Step Unit' of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve
Dreitz VJ, Duberstein JA, DeAngelis DL, Kitchens W, United States Geological Survey. 1999. Breeding activity of Snail Kites in the 'Stair-Step Unit' of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. Florida
During spring 1999, the "stair-step" unit ofEverglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve were surveyed to determine the breeding activity of Snail Kite(Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus). A total of five nests were located throughout the study area. Annual nest success, was 60%. This success rate was relatively high compared to other wetland units surveyed during 1999, and this is above the average range, 32%-50%, reported by previous studies. While previous studies have stated hydrology to be a factor affecting nest success, recent studies have not found hydrology directly linked to the success of nests. Low nest success may be a result of unfavorable breeding habitat, including low apple snail densities and changes in vegetation structure.