Red Kite
As part of the countdown to TAFU’s Local Wildlife Day on the 11th of July – Species no. 23.
Stay tuned – 20 more days and 20 more species until then!
The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is a striking bird of prey, easily recognised by its reddish-brown body, deeply forked tail, and long, angled wings. It typically measures 60-70 cm in length, with an impressive wingspan of 175-195 cm. Males usually weigh between 0.7-1.2 kg, while females are larger, weighing 0.9-1.6 kg. The Red Kite’s plumage features a mix of rusty red, brown, and white, with a pale grey head streaked with darker lines.
Red Kites are primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion, roadkill, and small mammals. They also hunt for live prey such as small birds, rodents, and insects. Red Kites are known for their graceful and effortless soaring, often seen gliding with minimal wing movement as they search for food. Their call is a distinctive, high-pitched whistle, used mainly for communication during courtship or when alarmed.
They prefer open habitats such as woodlands, heathlands, grasslands, and wetlands, often nesting in tall trees. They build large nests from sticks and vegetation, typically in well-wooded areas that provide cover and safety. Once on the brink of extinction in the UK, conservation efforts have successfully reintroduced them to many parts of England and Scotland, making them a conservation success story. Today, they are locally common in regions such as Wales, central England, and parts of Scotland.
To help their populations stay strong, we can all maintain and protect their natural habitats and ensure the safe disposal of our waste to reduce their risk of poisoning from contaminated food sources.
