The Snail Sparrowhawk in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba

In this study we evaluated the population of Rostrhamus sociabilis based on sampling of reservoirs in the province of Sancti Spíritus. It is an endemic species of Cuba. For this work, 34 periodic samples were taken between September and May (the months from June to August are not considered because they correspond to the reproductive period of the species, which could induce errors in the observation due to possible displacements in this stage). The sampling was carried out by means of linear transects from a calf taking as area a distance of 200 m wide `by 4 000 m long equivalent to 800 000 m2 (80 ha) for each dam. A population of 12 555 birds was estimated for the total number of dams studied. A great variability is found in the abundance of Sparrowhawks per dam. From November to February there is a decrease in the overall populations.