The Majestic Red Kite: Master Scavengers of the Sky

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Accipitriformes

Family: Accipitridae

Genus: Milvus

Species: Milvus milvus

Red kites, with their striking russet feathers and distinctive forked tails, are magnificent birds of prey that have captured the fascination of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. These majestic raptors are known for their impressive aerial displays and unique hunting techniques, making them a captivating subject for anyone interested in the wonders of the avian world.

Red kites (Milvus milvus) are medium-sized birds of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. Their iconic rusty plumage, forked tail, combined with a wingspan of about 175 to 179 centimetres (68-71 inches) and length of 60-70 centimetres (23.6-27.6 inches), makes them easily recognizable. These birds are primarily found in Europe, with populations scattered across the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and other European countries with a population size of around 60-70 thousand. These birds have typical habitats of forests, shrublands, grasslands and artificial/terrestrial habitats. This species of bird can reach a weight of around 800-1300g (28-46 oz) and a top speed of 113 mph (183 km/h). The red kite has a high pitched shriek like call as can be heard below.

One of the most enchanting aspects of red kites is their aerial prowess. These birds are renowned for their acrobatic flight displays, soaring high in the sky with effortless grace. The distinctive forked tail plays a crucial role in their manoeuvrability, allowing them to twist and turn with remarkable agility. Witnessing a group of red kites engaging in synchronized flight is a breath-taking spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.

Red kites are opportunistic hunters, being carnivores and scavengers, feeding on a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, and carrion. Their scavenging habits have led to a unique hunting behaviour known as "kiting." This involves hovering in the air, scanning the ground for potential prey or carrion. The keen eyesight of red kites, coupled with their agile flight, makes them highly effective hunters. This species of bird prefers to hunt their prey in open areas, where they fly low just above the ground. They can also be found hunting by sitting on a perch for many hours waiting for any prey to pass by. Once prey is spotted, the red kite will dive bomb to catch it with its talons.

These fascinating birds are monogamous meaning that they mate for life reaching sexual maturity at around 1 year old although they don’t usually breed until they’re 2 years old. The reproduction season for red kites is between March to May with their nests usually placed at around 12-15m (39-49ft) above ground level. The nest is built by both partners and can be found to be made of dead twigs, grass and sheep’s wool. Red kites also like to decorate their nests with pieces of paper and plastic materials, even stealing clothes that people have left out to dry. A female will lay 1-5 eggs in a clutch which have an incubation period of around 31-38 days. Once the incubation period is over and the red kite chicks hatch, they are altricial (helpless), relying on the parents to take care of them. For the first 14 days the female broods with the chicks while the male brings the whole nest food in which the female will feed the chicks. After the 14 days both parents bring items of prey for the chicks to feed on. Chicks tend to fledge anywhere between 48-70 days.

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species the red kite is now seen as least concern (LC) with numbers increasing (as of 17 August 2020). Red kites have faced challenges over the years, including habitat loss and persecution. However, concerted conservation efforts have led to a remarkable recovery in some regions. The reintroduction programs in the United Kingdom, for example, have seen the red kite population bounce back, turning them into a conservation success story. As apex predators, red kites play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. By controlling populations of smaller mammals and birds, they contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of their habitats. Understanding and preserving the habitats of red kites are essential not only for their well-being but also for the well-being of the entire ecosystem they inhabit. Red kites are more than just birds; they are ambassadors of the skies, showcasing the beauty and resilience of the natural world. Their captivating flight, unique hunting techniques, and successful conservation stories make them a subject of great interest for bird enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

There are red kite feeding centres across the UK such as Bwlch Nant Yr Arian visitor centre in Aberystwyth run by Natural Resources Wales. In 1999 Bwlch Nant Yr Arian became a red kite feeding station as part of a programme to protect the small number of these birds in the area then. Here you can walk multiple trails, ride bikes along the bike trail or skills park and my personal favourite to watch the red kite feedings free of charge (other than the car park). You can expect to see as many as 150 red kites (more during winter months) at once that come up to the centre to feed on meat and eat on the wing. Always check times before visiting using their website although, the tend to feed these magnificent birds by the lake at Bwlch Nant Yr Arian every day at 2pm in winter (GMT) and at 3pm in summer (BST). I highly recommend visiting if you ever get the chance to.

All photos taken by Ella Munro respectively at the British Bird Of Prey Centre at the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre

Audio clip from Xeno-canto bird call