Variability of the Grenada Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus mirus) diet

Snails preyed upon by the Grenada Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus mirus) were collected from two nesting sites in different regions and habitats on Grenada, with the aim of better understanding the diet of this endemic and endangered subspecies. Apart from the large snail Megalobulimus oblongus, which was present in the environment but not consumed by the kites, all five species previously reported in the literature (Bulimulus wiebesi, Plekocheilus glaber, Drymaeus binominis, Orthalicus zebra, and Pleurodonte perplexa) were documented as prey. Land snail species occur in variable numbers according to habitat type and localized environmental conditions, illustrating the kite's ability to exploit distinct areas of the island. Land snails consumed by the kite included both arboreal and ground-dwelling species, representing all the medium-sized (20-40 mm) species occurring on Grenada. Variation in snail species proportions were evident when comparing assemblages collected beneath nests to those scattered in the immediate vicinity of nests, suggesting seasonal factors or species selection for feeding young may influence the kite's food habits.