Observations on Nesting Hook-Billed Kites in the Rio Grande Valley

Authors

William S. Clark

Publication Date

6-1-2003

Abstract

The Hook‑billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus) is a little known species that occurs in the United States only along the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Fewer than five references have been published on its nesting in the U.S., and little more has been published from the rest of its range. There are thought to be fewer than 20 pairs nesting in Texas from Falcon Dam to Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. I will discuss my observations of nesting pairs of this species in three protected areas where they are known to nest and speculate that there are many more pairs. I will show the first breeding dark‑morph adult for Texas and its dark offspring, again the first produced in Texas. This was a result of a second brood for this dark female.

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Recommended Citation

Clark, William S. (2003) "Observations on Nesting Hook-Billed Kites in the Rio Grande Valley," Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society: Vol. 36: Iss. 2, Article 27.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tos_bulletin/vol36/iss2/27