Abstract

PINEDA-LOPEZ, Rubén; FEBVRE MORALES, Nadia  and  MARTINEZ, Mahinda. Confirmation of the presence of the Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) in Jalisco, Mexico. Huitzil [online]. 2012, vol.13, n.1, pp.39-42. ISSN 1870-7459.

We report the presence of the Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) in the state of Jalisco after observing an individual in the mouth of the Marabasco river. In Mexico, this species is restricted to the southeast, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, portions of Veracruz, and occasionally in the coast of Chiapas, Guerrero and Colima. Its presence in Colima and Jalisco has been reported by birders. The presence of this species in Colima since 1998 is explained by the introduction of the snail Pomacea sp. and the seminomadic nature of the species. The presence of R. sociabilis in Jalisco and Colima is important as it extends the range of a species included within the category of special protection by Mexican laws.

Keywords : Apple Snail; Pomacea; Marabasco river.