Bird Profiles - Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
Status in UK
Breeding resident now subject to a re-introduction programme in England and Scotland. Best estimates range from 300-500 pairs but more likely to be much higher in reality as the original Welsh population is expanding naturally.
Brief Description
With length up to 66cm, and a wing span of around 195 cm this makes the Red Kite look larger in flight and when standing than the Common Buzzard. The weight of around 1.6.kg is more comparable. This magnificent raptor is very easily recognised by its deep fork tail the only UK resident raptor to have this effect. And even when soaring like a Buzzard its wings are help not out stretched but slightly pulled back.
Observations of Red Kite are achieved by going to the famous red Kite areas of central Wales, or now with the success of the reintroduction schemes even around our education centre at COAM (see HOT education). Red Kites also appear to be spreading naturally into England from Wales, recent sightings of 3 Kites spending time on the Mendip Hills in Somerset may be a precursor to the species establishing itself at this location which not far from the coast of Wales (line of sight)
Breeding resident now subject to a re-
Brief Description
With length up to 66cm, and a wing span of around 195 cm this makes the Red Kite look larger in flight and when standing than the Common Buzzard. The weight of around 1.6.kg is more comparable. This magnificent raptor is very easily recognised by its deep fork tail the only UK resident raptor to have this effect. And even when soaring like a Buzzard its wings are help not out stretched but slightly pulled back.
Observations of Red Kite are achieved by going to the famous red Kite areas of central Wales, or now with the success of the reintroduction schemes even around our education centre at COAM (see HOT education). Red Kites also appear to be spreading naturally into England from Wales, recent sightings of 3 Kites spending time on the Mendip Hills in Somerset may be a precursor to the species establishing itself at this location which not far from the coast of Wales (line of sight)
Habitat
Woodland edge and open areas Mountains and also low-lying farmland.
Diet
Small mammals up to size of Rabbits, also insects and mostly this Kite is famed for its Carrion feeding.
Nest
Large stick nest on the edge of woodland, nesting normally begins early in March.
Woodland edge and open areas Mountains and also low-
Diet
Small mammals up to size of Rabbits, also insects and mostly this Kite is famed for its Carrion feeding.
Nest
Large stick nest on the edge of woodland, nesting normally begins early in March.
Written by Chris Sperring MBE - not to be re-produced without the permission of The Hawk and Owl Trust
