Cuban Kite (Chondrohierax wilsonii)
Justification This species, previously treated as a subspecies, has declined rapidly and now has an extremely small population, confined to a single area. There is a continuing decline in numbers and a very high chance of imminent extinction, which qualifies the species as Critical.
Identification 38-43 cm. Large, stocky kite with massive yellow bill. Male dark grey above, whitish barred grey and rufous below, grey tail with three black bars and pale tip. Female brown above, coarsely barred rufous below. Immature black above, white below extending onto hindneck. In all plumages distinctive oval wing shape and barred underwings. Similar spp. Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus has shorter tail and unbarred underwings. Voice Undocumented.
Taxonomy Recently elevated to species status but sometimes still considered a subspecies of Hook-billed Kite C. uncinatus
Range & Population Chondrohierax wilsonii was formerly fairly widespread on Cuba, but is now confined to a tiny area in the east of the island between Moa and Baracoa, and possibly other parts of Holguand Guantprovinces. It is Cuba's rarest raptor and is apparently on the verge of extinction.
Ecology It is now confined to montane gallery forest, where it feeds chiefly on tree snails Polymita and slugs in the understorey Historically, it inhabited xerophytic vegetation and montane forest
Threats The decline is mainly attributed to habitat destruction and alteration caused by logging and agricultural conversion. Farmers persecute the species because they (mistakenly) believe that it preys on poultry. Harvesting has apparently reduced numbers of tree snails, and thereby food availability.
