subject: Fauna Of Mexico Part 6 [print this page] There are so many different animals in Mexico, it's tough to keep track! Believe it or not, the country is one of the most diverse in the entire world; it has hundreds of different plant and animal species. If you've heard of jaguars and ocelots and axolotls, how about these creatures?
Snail Kite
What's a Snail Kite? Well, it's not a high-flying mollusk; a good hunter, it's a predatory bird that breeds in South America and the Caribbean. Snail Kites are about 18 inches long, with an impressive 47-inch wingspan. Males have blue-gray plumage, and females are brown with pale underparts. These Kites feed mainly on apple snails, and they're often spotted flying slowly with their eyes trains on the ground, looking for the next mouthful. They've also hunted crayfish along the coast of Florida, where there's a small population in the southern part of the state.
Socorro Dove
The Socorro Dove was endemic to the small Revillagigedo and Socorro Islands, off the west coast of Mexico. However, it is now extinct in the wild; there are fewer than 200 of the birds in captivity, though a reintroduction and breeding program is currently being planned. A large bird, the Socorro Dove is approximately two feet long; males are a deep cinnamon color, with darker feathers along its wings; females are slightly duller in hue. It's thought that the Socorro Doves were hunted to near extinction by feral cats, as well as had their habitats over-grazed by island sheep. When they were last seen on the islands (roughly in 1953), the doves had very few predators; the doves unfortunately did not know to be afraid of the Sheep and cats that were introduced to the region. Luckily, there have been some successful attempts at captive breeding and it's hoped that the population will recover with time and help.
Rosy Boa
The Rosy Boa is native to Baja California and Sonora in Mexico, and some parts of the American Southwest. It can grow to be about 39 inches long, with a pink-orange coloration on their bellies and long stripes down their backs. Maroon, brown, black, orange, yellow, or gray can make up the color of these stripes. To escape from predators, the Rosy Boa spends most of its time living beneath rocks. They are most active during the spring, summer, and fall; they mostly eat pack rats, deer mice, and baby rabbits when they forage for small mammals. But Rosy Boas are one of the slowest snake species in the world; they wait to ambush a meal rather than pursue it. However, when something tasty does come within range, they can strike with speed and accuracy. Rosy Boas are very docile; if they sense danger, they'll usually roll into a ball. They are nonvenomous, and not prone to biting; they are known to be very good pets.