The Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus) is an uncommon resident raptor from the southern tip of Texas southward all the way to Argentina in appropriate habitat of forest edges, thorn forest, and mangroves. It feeds primarily on land snails. The bird shown in the shot at left was soaring over thorn forest in southern Tamaulipas, Mexico, in May, 2007. This shot was taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4X extender.