The CARACOLERO, SNAIL BUZZARD, or HOOK-BEAKED BUZZARD (_Rostrhamus
hamatus_), is one of the members of this group with which we are most
familiar. Its length is from sixteen to seventeen inches, and its
breadth from forty to forty-two inches; the wing measures from thirteen
to thirteen and a half, and the tail from six to six and a half inches.
The plumage is of an uniform dark grey, shaded with pale brown upon the
back and shoulders; the narrow feathers that clothe the legs are edged
with red, the upper tail-covers are white at the base, and bordered with
white. The eye is bright blood red, the cere, cheek-stripes, corners
of the mouth, half the under mandible, and the legs bright orange; the
beak is black. The coloration of the young is very varied, and differs
considerably from that of the parent birds.
According to D'Orbigny, the Snail Buzzards are found throughout the whole
of South America, where they frequent the margins of lakes and morasses,
in large numbers. In their habits they are social, keeping together in
parties of about thirty birds; indeed, it is by no means uncommon to see
a dozen or more perched on the same tree. When in flight they summon each
other with loud cries, and all are constantly upon the watch to detect
and warn their companions against approaching danger. Their flight is
light, graceful, and rapid, and their attitudes, when perching upon a
tree, extremely dignified. Except during the breeding season (respecting
which we have no information), they sweep over the face of the country,
seldom remaining for any length of time in one place. The food of this
species consists of snails, reptiles, fish, and insects. Grundlach tells
us that upon one occasion he saw a great number of nests built upon the
trees that surrounded a large pond, and was told that they were those of
the Caracolero; the young had already quitted the eyries, though it was
then only April.