A signature species of the Everglades, the Snail Kite occurs in the U.S. only in south Florida where it is highly dependent on water levels to maintain the wetland habitats for its primary food source: the Apple Snail. Its curved beak is amazingly efficient at removing snails from their protective shells. With a South Florida population estimated at less than 400 breeding pairs, the Snail Kite is Federally listed as Endangered.