Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Red kite

The red kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, renowned for its striking reddish-brown plumage, pale greyish head, deeply forked tail, and long, angled wings featuring white patches on the undersides and dark-tipped primaries.^[1] Adults measure 60–70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 175–195 cm and body mass ranging from 800–1,300 g, females being slightly larger and heavier than males.^[2] This diurnal raptor exhibits graceful, buoyant flight, often soaring with shallow wingbeats and frequent tail adjustments, which aid in its opportunistic scavenging and hunting behaviors.^[3] Native to the western Palearctic, the red kite's breeding range spans from the Iberian Peninsula eastward through central Europe to Ukraine, extending north to southern Sweden, Latvia, and the United Kingdom, and south to southern Italy, with an estimated global population of 60,000–70,000 mature individuals across approximately 6.87 million km².^[4] While primarily resident in milder western regions, northern populations are partially migratory, wintering in southern France, Iberia, or occasionally North Africa, though the species no longer breeds there regularly.^[4] Historically, it occurred in northwest Africa and western Asia, including northern Iran, but these populations have largely vanished due to habitat loss and persecution.^[2] Red kites inhabit diverse open landscapes, favoring broadleaf woodlands interspersed with heathland, pasture, farmland, valleys, and wetland edges, where they nest in tall trees or cliffs and forage over nearby grasslands and arable fields.^[5] Their diet is highly opportunistic and omnivorous, dominated by carrion such as roadkill or livestock remains, supplemented by small mammals (e.g., rodents and rabbits), birds, invertebrates, earthworms, and occasionally fish or human food waste from dumps.^[3] Breeding from March to July, they form monogamous pairs that construct large stick nests lined with wool or cloth, laying 2–4 eggs per clutch, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.^[1] Once persecuted to near-extinction across much of Europe—particularly in the UK, where it vanished outside Wales by the early 20th century due to shooting, poisoning, and egg-collecting—the red kite's conservation status has dramatically improved through legal protections, reintroduction programs, and reduced pesticide use.^[1] Successful reintroductions, such as those in England and Scotland starting in the 1980s using birds from Sweden and Spain, have led to thriving populations exceeding 4,000 breeding pairs in the UK alone.^[1] Globally classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, the species' population is increasing at over 30% across three generations, though localized declines persist from ongoing threats like illegal poisoning, wind turbine collisions, and habitat degradation in southern Europe.^[4]

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Classification

The red kite (Milvus milvus) is classified within the order Accipitriformes and the family Accipitridae, which encompasses hawks, eagles, and other diurnal birds of prey. Within Accipitridae, it belongs to the subfamily Milvinae, a group characterized by medium-sized raptors adapted for scavenging and aerial foraging.^[6]^[7] The species is assigned to the genus Milvus, which currently comprises two recognized species of Old World kites. Milvus milvus is distinguished from its closest relative, the black kite (Milvus migrans), through a combination of genetic and morphological traits; molecular analyses reveal a minute interspecies genetic distance, with some studies indicating incomplete lineage sorting and non-reciprocal monophyly, while morphological differences include the red kite's more deeply forked tail and paler, rufous plumage compared to the black kite's darker, wedge-tailed form.^[3]^[8] The species is generally considered monotypic, though the Cape Verde form (M. m. fasciicauda) is sometimes recognized as a subspecies despite being extinct, with its taxonomic status remaining debated; the Cape Verde population, last recorded in surveys around 2000–2010, is now presumed extinct due to persecution and habitat loss. Molecular studies confirm low genetic variation across the main range, consistent with a single lineage.^[3]^[9] The binomial nomenclature Milvus milvus originates from its first formal description by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, initially placed as Falco milvus in the genus of falcons before reassignment to Milvus based on subsequent phylogenetic refinements.^[3]

Etymology

The common name "red kite" for Milvus milvus combines a descriptor of its plumage with a longstanding term for birds of this type. The word "kite" derives from Old English cȳta, an onomatopoeic term likely imitating the bird's shrill cry, which evolved through Middle English kyte into its modern form by the 15th century.^[10]^[11] The adjective "red" highlights the species' distinctive rufous-brown coloration, distinguishing it from darker relatives like the black kite.^[3] The scientific binomial Milvus milvus, established by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, employs a tautonym where both the genus and species names are identical, a convention sometimes used for emphasis in avian taxonomy. "Milvus," the Latin term for kite, appears in classical texts such as those by Pliny the Elder and was frequently referenced in medieval falconry literature to denote this agile raptor, often valued for its role in controlling vermin around settlements.^[12]^[3] The word's deeper etymology remains uncertain but may trace to a Proto-Indo-European root associated with "stain" or "spot," possibly alluding to the bird's mottled appearance.^[13] Regional variations in naming reflect local perceptions of the bird's appearance and habits. In Scotland, it was historically known as the "gled," an Old English-derived term meaning kite, preserved in place names like Glede Craig that likely marked former roosting sites.^[14] Scottish Gaelic names include clamhan-gobhlach (crooked-billed kite) and croman-lochaidh (kite of the lochs), evoking its silhouette and watery habitats.^[15] In France, the species is called milan royal (royal kite), emphasizing its elegant, majestic flight and forked tail.^[3] The nomenclature evolved culturally, shifting from the pejorative Middle English "puttock"—a term for a lowly scavenger, possibly derived from an unattested Old English putta meaning young hawk or bird of prey—to more neutral descriptors like "kite" by the early modern period.^[16]^[17] This change paralleled perceptions of the red kite as a useful cleaner of carrion, though its scavenging behavior contributed to derogatory associations in literature, such as Shakespeare's references to the "puttock" as a base opportunist.^[18]

Physical characteristics

Morphology and plumage

The red kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large raptor measuring 60–70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 175–195 cm and a body mass ranging from 800–1300 g. Sexual dimorphism is slight, with females averaging larger than males at 1000–1300 g compared to 800–1200 g.^[2]^[1] Its body structure features long, angled wings suited for sustained soaring and a deeply forked tail that aids in agile maneuvering during flight. The legs are relatively short, equipped with a yellow cere and sharp talons for grasping. The beak is hooked and black-tipped with a yellow base, adapted for tearing flesh.^[2]^[1]^[19] Adult plumage is predominantly rufous-brown, with a pale grey head finely streaked in black, darker brown upperparts showing whitish patches on the inner wings, and paler rufous underparts marked by dark streaks. The tail is rufous with a distinctive black subterminal band. The eyes are large and pale amber, providing acute visual acuity typical of diurnal raptors.^[2]^[1]^[20] Juvenile red kites exhibit a more subdued and uniform plumage compared to the vibrant rufous tones of adults, featuring a darker overall brown coloration with less contrast and absent pale head markings or prominent white wing patches. Their breast shows pale streaks rather than the bold black streaks typical of adults, and the underwing coverts display barring not present in mature birds.^[21]^[22] In terms of structure, juveniles are similar in size to adults but possess a less refined wing shape with relatively shorter wings and a tail that is notably shorter and less deeply forked, often marked by a dark subterminal band. This results in a slightly less elegant silhouette in flight during the first year. First-year birds particularly show barred greater coverts on the wings, contributing to a more mottled appearance.^[21]^[23] Molt patterns play a key role in age-related development, with juveniles undergoing an annual prebasic molt beginning in their first year; however, full adult plumage is not achieved until the third calendar year, following the completion of the first full post-juvenile molt in the autumn of the second year. Immatures remain distinguishable from adults during this period due to paler, less saturated feathering and retained juvenile traits in flight and tail feathers without distinct molt limits initially.^[24]^[25] These differences pose identification challenges, especially in early stages, where juvenile red kites may overlap in appearance with other raptors such as common buzzards, owing to their less distinctive forked tail and more uniform brown tones that mimic the buzzard's bulkier form and variable plumage. Careful observation of subtle wing barring and tail shape is essential to differentiate them.^[26]^[21]

Habitat and ecology

Preferred environments

The red kite (Milvus milvus) primarily inhabits open woodlands interspersed with farmland edges, river valleys, and heathlands, favoring landscapes that combine scattered trees for nesting with expansive open ground suitable for foraging.^[4]^[19] These environments provide a mosaic of broadleaf forests mixed with pastures and arable fields, allowing the species to exploit diverse food resources while maintaining proximity to secure nesting sites.^[27]^[28] Nesting occurs predominantly in tall broadleaf trees such as beech (Fagus sylvatica) and oak (Quercus spp.), where platforms of sticks are constructed in substantial forks 10–15 m above the ground, often reusing old nests of corvids or squirrels.^[19]^[25] In some regions, particularly in rugged terrains, red kites also utilize cliffs for nesting, adapting to rocky outcrops when suitable trees are scarce.^[29] The species avoids dense, closed-canopy forests and urban cores, preferring edges of mature woodlands that offer both concealment and aerial access.^[4]^[1] Recent studies indicate heightened collision risks with wind turbines in foraging areas, influencing habitat selection (as of 2025).^[30] Red kites occupy lowlands up to approximately 1,500–1,600 m elevation, demonstrating notable adaptability to human-modified landscapes such as grazed pastures, orchards, and heterogeneous agricultural areas that supplement natural habitats.^[4] This flexibility enables persistence in regions altered by farming and rural development, where open fields facilitate efficient scavenging.^[31] As a top scavenger, the red kite plays a key ecological role by consuming carrion from livestock in agricultural settings and roadkill along verges, thereby reducing disease transmission risks and recycling nutrients in modified ecosystems.^[32]^[33] This function is particularly vital in farmland-dominated areas, where abundant ungulate remains support population stability.^[34]

Migration and movements

The red kite (Milvus milvus) exhibits partial migration, with northern and central European populations undertaking seasonal movements southward to winter primarily in the Mediterranean region of southern Europe and occasionally in North Africa, while southern European populations remain largely resident year-round.^[3]^[2] This strategy allows individuals from colder breeding areas to exploit milder winter conditions, though some central European birds may winter locally if resources permit.^[35] Autumn migration typically spans September to November, during which birds follow established corridors such as the western Pyrenees and the Strait of Gibraltar, covering distances of up to 2,000 km to reach wintering grounds in Spain, southern France, or further south.^[36] Spring return migrations occur from February to April, often via similar routes but with variations in path length; for instance, central European populations may employ a loop migration, crossing the Adriatic Sea eastward in autumn and westward in spring to optimize soaring conditions.^[37] Juvenile red kites engage in post-fledging dispersal, wandering up to 500 km from natal sites before establishing territories, a behavior that promotes gene flow and reduces competition within family groups.^[38] These young birds rely on thermal updrafts for efficient long-distance soaring, minimizing energy expenditure by gaining altitude in rising air currents before gliding toward suitable habitats.^[39] Ringing recoveries and satellite telemetry studies reveal high site fidelity to wintering areas among adults, with many returning to the same locations annually, though juveniles show greater variability in initial destinations.^[40] Emerging evidence from long-term tracking indicates that climate change is influencing these patterns, potentially shortening migration distances for some populations as warmer winters reduce the need for extensive southward travel.^[41]

Behavior

Diet and foraging

The red kite (Milvus milvus) is an opportunistic scavenger whose diet consists primarily of carrion, such as roadkill and livestock remains, which often forms the bulk of its intake in areas with abundant sources.^[1]^[42] In regions with livestock farming, carrion can comprise a major portion of the diet, varying geographically based on availability.^[42] This is supplemented by live or freshly killed prey including small mammals like voles and rabbits, birds (particularly nestlings), invertebrates such as earthworms and beetles, and anthropogenic waste from dumps or households.^[2]^[1] Foraging typically involves soaring at moderate heights of 50–100 m over open terrain to scan for food sources, followed by a rapid stoop or glide to the ground, or walking to access items; unlike more predatory eagles, red kites rely more on ground-based scavenging than prolonged aerial pursuits.^[2] The species' forked tail enhances maneuverability during these descents, allowing precise adjustments in flight.^[2] Daily food consumption averages 200–300 g per adult bird, with a shift toward greater proportions of live prey, such as small vertebrates, during the summer breeding season when carrion may be less reliable.^[43] Red kites occasionally engage in kleptoparasitism, pirating food from other raptors or corvids like carrion crows, particularly when easy scavenging opportunities are limited.^[44] As efficient carrion consumers, they contribute to ecosystem health by removing decaying organic matter, reducing disease spread among wildlife and livestock.^[42]

Breeding and reproduction

Red kites form monogamous pairs that often bond for life, with pair bonds typically maintained year-round in resident populations. Courtship involves aerial displays such as soaring together, the male performing acrobatic maneuvers with exaggerated tail-forking to showcase the distinctive forked tail, and food passes from male to female to strengthen the bond.^[2]^[35] Nesting begins in March, with pairs constructing large platform nests from sticks, often lined with grass, wool, or other soft materials, typically placed in the crowns of mature trees such as oaks or pines at heights of 10–20 meters. These nests are bulky and messy, frequently reused and expanded annually over multiple seasons, sometimes reaching diameters of over a meter. The female lays a clutch of 2–3 eggs (rarely 1–4), at intervals of 2–3 days, with clutch size influenced by food availability—larger clutches occur in areas with abundant prey like rodents or carrion.^[45]^[46] Both parents share incubation duties, though the female performs the majority, beginning with the first or second egg and lasting 31–34 days until hatching. Hatching is asynchronous, spanning 3–7 days depending on clutch size, which can lead to size disparities among siblings and occasional brood reduction through siblicide in larger broods. The whitish, down-covered chicks are fed small pieces of regurgitated or torn food by the female, while the male supplies most provisions; parental care continues intensely for the first few weeks.^[47]^[48] Chicks fledge at 50–60 days post-hatching, initially making short flights near the nest before gaining independence around 70–80 days, when they disperse from the natal area. Fledging success is relatively high, typically 70–80% in stable populations, supported by the parents' continued provisioning for up to 20 days after fledging. The overall breeding season in Europe spans March to July, with most pairs attempting a single brood annually.^[49]^[50]^[51]

Distribution and conservation

Historical range and declines

The red kite (Milvus milvus) was historically widespread across temperate regions of Europe, ranging from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to eastern Europe including Ukraine and Belarus, and extending northward to southern Sweden and the British Isles. In medieval and early modern times, it was a common sight even in urban areas, such as London in the 16th century, where it scavenged alongside humans. The species was present in the United Kingdom until the late 19th century and in Ireland until the 18th century, reflecting its broad distribution before significant human impacts.^[52]^[3]^[1] Major population declines began in the 18th and 19th centuries due to intense persecution as vermin, driven by game laws that viewed raptors as threats to game birds and livestock. In the UK, bounties and organized shooting campaigns under these laws led to the bird's extinction in England by 1871 and Scotland by 1879, with only remnant populations surviving in Wales. In Ireland, similar persecution combined with woodland clearance for agriculture eradicated the species by the mid-18th century. Across Europe, habitat loss from agricultural intensification, including the conversion of grasslands to arable crops, further reduced suitable nesting and foraging areas, exacerbating the declines.^[4]^[32]^[53]^[54]^[55] In the 20th century, red kite populations experienced further declines across Europe due to widespread pesticide use, including DDT, which caused lethal poisoning and reproductive failures in raptors. In the UK, the Welsh remnant dwindled to approximately 20–30 breeding pairs by the 1960s, sustained only through informal protection efforts amid ongoing threats from poisoning campaigns and egg collecting. Legal protections, such as the UK's Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, marked the beginning of recovery by prohibiting persecution and providing safeguards for remaining birds.^[4]^[56]^[57]

Current populations and trends

The global population of the red kite (Milvus milvus) is estimated at 29,746–34,751 breeding pairs in European Union countries, which represent at least 90% of the worldwide total, equating to approximately 33,000–38,600 pairs globally. The species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with populations stable to increasing overall due to successful conservation measures offsetting historical declines.^[4] Central Europe hosts the majority of the population, with Germany and France together accounting for around 70% of the European total; Germany alone supports 14,000–16,000 breeding pairs, while France has 3,000–3,900 pairs. In the United Kingdom, the population has grown rapidly to approximately 4,600 breeding pairs as of 2024. Other notable strongholds include Sweden with 3,100–4,100 pairs, contributing to the species' core distribution in temperate and forested regions of western and central Europe.^[4]^[1] Population monitoring relies on annual censuses and bird ringing programs, such as those coordinated through European networks, which track breeding success, migration, and survival rates across the range. In western Europe, these efforts have documented an average annual increase of 10–15% since 2000, driven by improved breeding productivity and reduced persecution.^[4]^[58] Climate warming has facilitated northward range expansion, enabling colonization of previously marginal habitats in northern Europe, while ongoing threats like poisoning and collisions with wind turbines are mitigated by legal protections and habitat management. This balance has sustained positive trends, though vigilance is required to address emerging pressures from infrastructure development.^[59]^[60]^[4]

Reintroduction and protection efforts

Reintroduction efforts for the red kite (Milvus milvus) in the United Kingdom commenced in 1989, marking a pivotal conservation initiative to restore the species after its near-extinction due to historical persecution. The program began with the release of 93 young birds sourced from Sweden at the Black Isle in Ross-shire, Scotland, between 1989 and 1994, followed by additional releases from Germany, including approximately 100 birds from 1996 to 2001. Parallel efforts in England started the same year in the Chilterns, with young kites imported from Sweden and later Germany. Over the period from 1989 to 2013, nearly 1,000 birds were released across more than 10 sites in Scotland and England, coordinated primarily by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in partnership with Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage.^[61]^[62]^[63] Across Europe, captive breeding programs have supported reintroduction and reinforcement efforts, particularly in regions with declining populations. In Spain, initiatives such as the LIFE EUROKITE project (LIFE18 NAT/AT/000048) involve breeding and releasing young red kites to bolster southern Iberian populations, with 90 individuals released in southwest Spain starting in 2022 to enhance genetic diversity and breeding success. As of 2025, the LIFE EUROKITE project continues with further releases, including UK-bred red kite chicks translocated to southwest Spain to support declining populations. Similar captive breeding occurs in France, where programs contribute to translocations and population reinforcement, often drawing from established nests in Corsica and mainland sites. Legal protections underpin these efforts: the red kite is listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), which requires member states to designate special protection areas and prohibit deliberate killing or disturbance, and on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, mandating strict protection and habitat conservation across signatory countries.^[64]^[65]^[66]^[4] Key techniques employed in these reintroductions include hacking, where fledgling kites are fostered in artificial nests to imprint on the release site and learn natural behaviors before fledging. Habitat management focuses on creating suitable foraging areas, such as maintaining road verges and open landscapes to provide access to carrion and small mammals, which form a significant part of the red kite's diet. Anti-poisoning campaigns, including the Campaign against the Criminal Poisoning of European Wildlife (CPEW) led by BirdLife International partners, have addressed a major mortality factor by raising awareness, deploying detection dogs, and enforcing laws against illegal baits, contributing to overall reductions in poisoning incidents.^[67]^[68]^[69] International collaboration has been essential, with organizations like the RSPB and BirdLife International coordinating transboundary projects, such as exporting UK-bred chicks to Spain in 2022 to support declining populations. Genetic monitoring is integrated into these programs to prevent inbreeding, involving DNA analysis of released birds and their offspring to ensure diverse source populations and track relatedness, as demonstrated in assessments of Welsh and English reintroduction sites.^[70]^[71]^[72]

Relationship with humans

Cultural significance

In medieval Europe, red kites were often viewed ambivalently, valued for scavenging waste in urban areas like London but persecuted as vermin under laws that targeted birds of prey for preying on game or livestock.^[73]^[74] Historical records from sites like Oxford and Winchester indicate that red kites thrived on human refuse, including offal and market scraps, which both aided sanitation and fueled their reputation as opportunistic thieves.^[75] Despite this, the bird held positive symbolic roles in heraldry, particularly in Wales, where it became an emblem of national identity and resilience, often associated with the rugged Welsh landscape and spirit of independence.^[76] Biblical texts classify kites among unclean birds, prohibiting their consumption due to their scavenging habits, as noted in Leviticus 11:14 and Deuteronomy 14:13, where the red kite (Milvus milvus) is specifically identified alongside other raptors.^[77]^[78] This portrayal reinforced perceptions of the bird as ritually impure in ancient Near Eastern and Jewish traditions.^[79] In modern times, the red kite has emerged as a prominent conservation icon in the United Kingdom, symbolizing the triumphs of rewilding efforts after near-extinction in the 20th century.^[80]^[81] Its recovery, from just a handful of pairs to thousands across England, Wales, and Scotland, represents ecological restoration and public engagement with biodiversity.^[82] The bird frequently appears in literature and art as a motif of grace and revival; for instance, William Wordsworth referenced kites in poems like "The Idle Shepherd-Boys" to evoke rural freedom and natural harmony.^[83] Contemporary media has amplified the red kite's cultural profile, with BBC documentaries such as "Red Kites - Wales: Land of the Wild" highlighting its role in Welsh heritage and conservation narratives.^[84] In Wales, where it is widely regarded as the unofficial national bird—having been voted the public's favorite—the red kite embodies cultural pride and environmental stewardship.^[85] Its Welsh name, barcud coch (red hawk), ties into etymological roots reflecting its soaring flight, underscoring its enduring place in regional folklore.^[86]

Observation and threats

Observing red kites in the wild is best achieved at established hotspots in the UK, such as Gigrin Farm near Rhayader in Wales, where large numbers gather at a dedicated feeding station, and Argaty Red Kites near Doune in Scotland, which offers hides for close views of the birds during daily feeds.^[87]^[88] These sites allow visitors to witness the kites' graceful soaring flight, characterized by long, angled wings held in a shallow 'V' and a deeply forked tail used for agile maneuvering, often while scanning for food below.^[89] The birds' distinctive mewing call, a rapid "weoo-weoo-weoo" similar to a buzzard's but higher-pitched, frequently accompanies their aerial displays and aids in identification.^[89] Peak observation times are dawn and dusk, when kites are most active in foraging and thermaling on warm air currents, though feeding stations like Gigrin provide reliable sightings around midday.^[90] Despite successful reintroductions, red kites face ongoing human-related threats that impact their survival. Rodenticide poisoning, primarily from second-generation anticoagulants ingested via contaminated rodents, is a leading cause of mortality; recent analyses from 2020-2022 found that 66% of tested red kites in the UK had very high levels of these rodenticides in their livers.^[91] Vehicle collisions pose another significant risk, particularly on rural roads where kites scavenge roadkill, contributing to anthropogenic mortality alongside electrocution and other factors. Illegal persecution, including shooting and deliberate poisoning, persists in some areas, with multiple confirmed killings in Northern Ireland in 2025 alone, adding to at least 18 cases since 2008.^[92]^[93] Additionally, collisions with wind turbines affect migrating and resident birds, with 41 fatalities recorded among 3,000 GPS-tracked individuals across Europe from 2013 to 2024, often during spring and autumn movements along key routes.^[30] Efforts to mitigate these threats include public education initiatives, such as the BirdTrack app developed by the British Trust for Ornithology, which encourages citizen scientists to log sightings and report potential hazards like poisoned carcasses to support conservation monitoring.^[94] Collision monitoring programs utilizing GPS telemetry and carcass searches at wind farms have quantified risks, revealing that turbines with higher rotor clearance reduce red kite fatalities by enabling better avoidance during low-altitude flights.^[60] These programs, including those under the LIFE Eurokite project, track mortality rates and inform turbine siting to minimize impacts on migration corridors.^[95] In 2025, UK conservationists contributed to a translocation project by providing red kites for reintroduction in Spain, where populations are declining, leading to the establishment of three mating pairs and two surviving chicks.^[65] Ethical birdwatching practices are essential to avoid exacerbating threats during observation. As a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, red kites receive year-round protection against intentional or reckless disturbance, particularly at nests; to comply, observers are advised to maintain a distance of at least 100 meters and avoid off-path approaches to prevent causing stress or abandonment.^[96] Using purpose-built hides at sites like Gigrin Farm or Argaty ensures non-intrusive viewing, minimizing habitat disruption while allowing safe appreciation of the birds' behavior, in line with guidelines from organizations like the American Birding Association and RSPB.^[97]

References

[1]
Red Kite Bird Facts - RSPB
Distinctive long, deeply forked tail · Angular wings, with white patches underneath and dark fingered wing tips · Adults have a reddish-brown body with dark ...
[2]
Milvus milvus (red kite) | INFORMATION - Animal Diversity Web
Milvus milvus is endemic to the western Palearctic region in Europe and northwest Africa. Formerly, these birds of prey also occurred in northern Iran.
[3]
Red Kite - Milvus milvus - Birds of the World
The Red Kite (Milvus milvus), with its striking rufous plumage and bold wing pattern occupies a wide variety of open habitats throughout Europe.
[4]
Red Kite Milvus Milvus Species Factsheet | BirdLife DataZone
It breeds from Spain and Portugal east through central Europe to Ukraine, north to southern Sweden, Latvia and the U.K., and south to southern Italy.
[5]
Red kite | The Wildlife Trusts
The red kite is a large bird of prey with angled, red wings that are tipped with black and have white patches underneath in the 'hand'.
[6]
[PDF] MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ON FOSSIL BIRDS
Milvinae. Since Proictinia gilmorei and P. effera are represented by ... species of Milvus, as represented by Milvus milvus, M. migrans, and. M ...
[7]
Red Kite Bird Facts - A-Z Animals
Size, Appearance, and Behavior. Red kite birds have reddish-brown feathers on their back and breast along with a grayish-white head. Looking up at a flying red ...Red Kite Physical... · Size, Appearance, And... · Population
[8]
Red kite (Milvus milvus) and black kite (M. migrans): minute genetic ...
Of the observed genetic variance of four polymorphic enzymes, 15.4% referred to the differentiation between the kite species, but 84.6% were contributed by the ...Missing: distinction | Show results with:distinction
[9]
MtDNA genetic diversity and population history of a dwindling ...
Distributed in the southwestern Palearctic region, the red kite (Milvus milvus) has one of the smallest ranges amongst all Eurasian birds of prey, with almost ...
[10]
Kite - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Origin and history of kite European bird of prey, inferior hawk (Milvus ictinus, but applied elsewhere to similar birds), Old English cyta, probably imitative ...
[11]
Kite - Oxford Reference
The name is recorded from Old English (in form cȳta), and is probably of imitative origin and related to German Kauz 'screech owl'. as high as a kite ...
[12]
MILVUS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
noun Mil· vus ˈmilvəs : a genus of birds (family Falconidae) including the common European kite Word History Etymology New Latin, from Latin, kite.
[13]
milvus - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Etymology. Unknown; possibly from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning stain or spot and also found in English mole, Lithuanian miēlės (“yeast”) and Ancient ...
[14]
Place-Names and Red Kites
Nov 28, 2018 · The old Scots word for 'kite' is gled. And there are several place-names in the Galloway Glens which contain this word (often in the local dialect form glede).
[15]
Scotland Outdoors Articles - Scotland's Wildlife: Red Kite - BBC
Red Kites. FAST FACTS: RED KITE. Latin Name: Milvus milvus. Gaelic Name: Clamhan-gobhlach or Croman-lochaidh. Meaning: Salmon-tailed kite or kite of the lochs<|control11|><|separator|>
[16]
Puttock Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary
Origin of Puttock Origin uncertain; perhaps representing an unattested Old English *putta (“hawk”). Compare pout (“a young bird”), poult.Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[17]
Puttock History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms - HouseOfNames
This habitation surname was originally derived from the Old English word puttoc which means kite, denoting a bird belonging to the hawk family.
[18]
September - Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
Shakespeare knew all about the peculiar penchant the “puttock” – a name that Shakespeare often used for the red kite (in Wales it was called boda wennol, ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
[19]
Red Kite (Milvus milvus) - British Birds - Woodland Trust
Common name: red kite ; Scientific name: Milvus milvus ; Family: Accipitridae (hawks and eagles) ; Habitat: grassland, woodland, heathland, urban areas ; Diet: ...Missing: Milvinae | Show results with:Milvinae
[20]
Red Kite - Milvus milvus - Oiseaux.net
Jul 10, 2023 · The Red Kite is quite a large raptor, larger than the Common Buzzard for example. Its length is between 60 and 70 cm, its wingspan 145-170 cm, and its weight ...
[21]
Red Kite | Identification Guide - Bird Spot
Juvenile red kites appear less bright overall, and have pale streaks across the breast. The tail is less forked, with a dark subterminal band, and the greater ...
[22]
https://www.birdwatchireland.ie/birds/red-kite/
[23]
Red and Black Kites photo ID guide - BirdGuides
Apr 11, 2020 · Juvenile Red Kites are slightly less extreme in silhouette compared to adults, with comparatively shorter wings and tail. The white primary ...
[24]
[PDF] 02390 Red Kite (Milvus milvus) - Javier Blasco Zumeta
3 age groups can be recognized: Juvenile with flight and tail feathers without moult limits; breast feathers mainly whitish with a narrow dark shaft streak; ...
[25]
[PDF] Raptors-2014-Red-Kite.pdf
Immature birds can be separated from adults until the completion of their first full moult in the autumn of their second calendar year; they are paler than ...Missing: plumage | Show results with:plumage
[26]
Is it a Red Kite or is it a Common Buzzard?
As the Common Buzzard and Red Kite images show, there are distinct differences between the two birds. The most obvious being the tail. The Common Buzzard lacks ...
[27]
Key Features of the Red Kite You Should Know - Hawk and Owl Trust
Red Kites are extremely long-winged and long-tailed and very large, with slightly larger bodies and very much longer wings than a Buzzard.
[28]
(PDF) The effects of land use and climate on Red Kite distribution in ...
Red kites forage opportunistically, usually in open farmland habitats, by hunting prey or scavenging remains associated with agricultural landscapes. ... ...Missing: orchards | Show results with:orchards
[29]
Milvus milvus - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Milvus milvus, commonly known as the red kite, is a migratory bird species whose population dynamics are influenced by various environmental factors and ...
[30]
https://phys.org/news/2025-10-key-factors-turbine-collision-red.html
[31]
Red Kites Reintroductions in the Iberian Peninsula - Mossy Earth
The global breeding population is estimated at about 32 to 38 thousand pairs distributed across 28 European countries. A red kite swoops through the air. The ...
[32]
Can livestock carrion availability influence diet of wintering red kites ...
May 27, 2014 · Avian scavengers mostly rely on livestock carrion for food, thus providing important ecosystem services in many regions worldwide (Sekercioglu ...
[33]
Can livestock carrion availability influence diet of wintering red kites ...
Aug 7, 2025 · The results show major differences in diet composition of red kites wintering in areas with and without availability of livestock carcasses. In ...
[34]
Full article: Red Kites Milvus milvus wintering in their natal area
In our study, Red Kites were found in topographically similar areas with similar habitat. Furthermore, birds tended to share foraging and roosting sites, ...
[35]
[PDF] The Autumn Migration of the Red KiteMilvus milvus ... - Birds of Prey
Most. Red Kites migrate between early September and mid-November, and they cross the Pyrenees essentially via the western part of the chain, the passage at ...
[36]
Loop migration of Red Kites from Central Europe - Ardeola
Our results revealed distinct patterns between autumn and spring migrations. During autumn, most birds chose a shorter route over the Adriatic Sea, facilitated ...
[37]
The variability of juvenile dispersal in an opportunistic raptor - PMC
Between 2012 and 2020, 44 juvenile red kites Milvus milvus from the Spanish breeding population were tagged using GPS telemetry to study their dispersal.
[38]
Flight altitudes and flight activities of adult Red Kites (Milvus milvus ...
Jun 21, 2022 · The birds use thermals to gain altitude. From there, they can glide towards their destination. If the initial altitude is insufficient, the ...
[39]
Evidence of genetic determination of annual movement strategies in ...
Jan 25, 2025 · Here, we analyse the different migration behaviours of medium-sized raptors, ie, Red Kites Milvus milvus, Black Kites Milvus migrans, and their hybrids.
[40]
[PDF] Historical changes in migration patterns
The new population of red kites in. United Kingdom show shorter migration distance compared to other European populations and across the range, blackcaps ...
[41]
Can livestock carrion availability influence diet of wintering red kites ...
May 27, 2014 · Diet composition primarily depended on the availability of livestock carcasses in areas of livestock farming or wild prey in areas without ...
[42]
Red Kite - Life Feeding Scavengers
Carrion makes up a large percentage of their diet. Daily trophic needs: Estimated at 200 g/day for an adult specimen. Reproduction: It builds its nests in ...
[43]
Distribution and breeding of red kites Milvus milus in relation ... - jstor
obtained by kleptoparasitism of carrion crows Corvus corone. Despite continuing growth of the red kite popu- lation in Wales, fears have been expressed that ...
[44]
Red Kite Nesting (Behaviour, Location, Eggs + FAQs) - Birdfact
Feb 1, 2023 · Red kites nest in trees and will often build their nests on top of old squirrel dreys or crows' nests. Both coniferous and broadleaf trees are common.Missing: cliffs | Show results with:cliffs
[45]
Red Kite | The Peregrine Fund
Adult Red Kites have rusty-red tails that really stand out in flight. It has a pale eye and an overall grey head and neck, which are streaked with thin dark ...Missing: juvenile | Show results with:juvenile
[46]
(PDF) Breeding biology, behaviour, diet and conservation of the Red ...
Breeding biology, behaviour, diet and conservation of the Red Kite (Milvus milvus), with particular emphasis on Mediterranean populations
[47]
Red kites | Chilterns National Landscape
Red kites are one of Britain's most magnificent and distinctive birds of prey, with fanned forked tails, a reddish-brown body and a distinctive mewing call.<|separator|>
[48]
[PDF] Red Kite - Rare Breeding Birds Panel
In Scotland, a wide variety of trees is used, including mature conifers. The nest is usually high in the main fork of a broadleaved tree, made from sticks and ...Missing: cliffs broadleaf
[49]
Breeding habitats and long-term population numbers of two ...
Aug 14, 2020 · We studied the long-term changes in numbers and habitat structures of two sympatric species—Red Kite Milvus milvus (RK) and Black Kite Milvus ...
[50]
Food availability affects parental anti‐predator behaviour in red kites
Jul 17, 2025 · The study was conducted within the red kite breeding period (March–July), during the years 2016–2018 in the cantons of Fribourg and Bern, ...
[51]
The red kite in Europe - LIFE MILVUS
It nests from the Iberian Peninsula to eastern Europe (Ukraine and Belarus) and southern Sweden; a small breeding population in Morocco has recently become ...
[52]
FLYING THE RED KITES AGAIN - The Independent
Dec 10, 1995 · With the spread of keepered shooting estates in the late 18th and 19th centuries, it's no wonder the bird was driven into extinction in England ...
[53]
How this majestic British bird was saved from the brink of extinction
Aug 6, 2016 · Only 145 years ago the red kite was declared extinct in England, and eight years later the last of the birds were driven out of Scotland.
[54]
RTÉ Archives | Environment | Red Kites Return
It is quite large with a wingspan of over 1.5 metres. The red kites were wiped out in the eighteenth century due to human persecution and woodland clearance.
[55]
[PDF] Pesticides and the loss of biodiversity - PAN Europe
Mar 1, 2010 · Populations of raptors and other birds recovered after DDT and other toxic pesticides were banned in Europe. ... In the same period, red kite ( ...
[56]
Almost extinct Red Kite makes comeback - BBC News
Apr 28, 2011 · For more than 400 years the bird of prey was killed as vermin and by the 1960s there were just 20 pairs. But the organisation's 2011 Big ...
[57]
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, SCHEDULE 1 - Legislation.gov.uk
An Act to repeal and re-enact with amendments the Protection of Birds Acts ... Kite, Red, Milvus milvus. Merlin, Falco columbarius. Oriole, Golden, Oriolus ...
[58]
Red Kites flying high - thanks to you! - RSPB
Sep 30, 2024 · By the 1870s, they were extinct in Scotland, England and Ireland. In the early 1900s, only about five breeding pairs were clinging on in Wales, ...
[59]
Red Kite - BTO
Red Kites can be seen circling and drifting above major roads, farmland and woodland, even adjacent to major cities such as Gateshead.<|control11|><|separator|>
[60]
High Variability and Dual Strategy in the Wintering Red Kites (Milvus ...
We tagged 44 red kites using GPS/satellite transmitters to study their non-breeding seasons in Spain. Two spatial strategies were recorded.
[61]
Red kite (Milvus milvus) collision risk is higher at wind turbines with ...
This study reports 41 confirmed collisions of GPS-tracked Red Kites (Milvus milvus) with wind turbines across Europe (2017–2024).
[62]
Red Kite - Scottish Raptor Study Group |
Clues to their former presence live on in old place names, particularly with the old Scots name for the red kite (the Gled), in names such as Gladhouse (Lothian) ...Missing: regional France puttock
[63]
BB eye: The Red Kite reintroduction – 30 years on - British Birds
Aug 1, 2019 · Before the first Red Kites were released the only conservation-focused bird reintroduction was for the White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla ( ...
[64]
Red kites exported after success of reintroduction programme in ...
Jun 8, 2009 · In 1989, a reintroduction scheme run by the RSPB in the south of England and Scotland, began the recovery. The RSPB in partnership with ...
[65]
Release of the first red kites of the LIFE EUROKITE project in ...
Aug 19, 2022 · The first group of red kites of the total of ninety individuals that will reinforce the population of the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula ...
[66]
Five red kites born in captivity in Aragon will be released in ...
May 26, 2025 · Among the kites that will be released into the wild in Aspromonte National Park in the summer of 2025 will be five young specimens from Aragon, Spain.
[67]
Red kites - a conservation project that's saving the species
The Hawk Conservancy Trust released 12 Red Kites into the wild. We bred four of these Kites here at the Trust and released them as fledglings in handmade nests.Missing: techniques hacking anti-
[68]
Campaign against criminal Poisoning of European Wildlife (CPEW)
Nov 29, 2024 · The CPEW campaign aims to raise awareness and end illegal poisoning of wildlife, which is a main cause of red kite mortality and a threat to ...
[69]
Animal poisoning: Drop in deliberate cases - BBC News
But the report says the number of confirmed cases of intentional poisoning has fallen by 50% since 2010. The newly published statistics, external show that in ...
[70]
Red kite chicks sent from England to Spain to boost ailing numbers
Jun 24, 2022 · Nests are monitored and a single chick is taken only from nests with multiple chicks, so the wild birds continue to rear offspring and don't ...
[71]
[PDF] The role of genetics in conserving small populations (Part 2
The genetics of the red kites released and naturally-reared in England were monitored along with their fate and breeding success during this period.
[72]
Study reveals north/south genetic divide in Welsh Red Kite
Mar 2, 2015 · A study of the modern Red Kite population in Wales has revealed a north/south genetic divide that runs along the Towy Valley.
[73]
Red kites and ravens swooped through Elizabethan London
Feb 25, 2021 · These carrion birds would nest in the city's trees and high buildings and swoop through the streets eating waste food and offal.
[74]
Medieval Birds of Prey Feasted on Human Waste, Study Finds
Jan 20, 2025 · While they were valued for cleaning streets of waste, birds like red kites were also classified as vermin under medieval laws.Missing: cultural significance
[75]
Ancient birds of prey lived off menu of medieval waste
Jan 16, 2025 · Red kites from Oxford, Winchester and other urban sites showed the strongest evidence of feeding on human waste, with chemical signatures ...
[76]
National symbols of Wales
National symbols of Wales · Y Ddraig Goch (the red dragon) · The daffodil · The leek · The Welsh language · Welsh lovespoons · Male voice choirs · The red kite · The ...
[77]
Leviticus 11:14 the kite, any kind of falcon, - Bible Hub
Leviticus 11:14 literally bans Israel from eating “the kite, any kind of falcon.” Both birds are unclean because they gorge on death and symbolize impurity.
[78]
Kite - JW.ORG
Both the black kite and the red kite, the common varieties found in Palestine, are included among the unclean birds according to the Law. (Le 11:13, 14; De ...
[79]
Leviticus 11:14 - the red kite, any kind of black kite,...
12 Anything living in the water that does not have fins and scales is to be regarded as unclean by you. 13 “ 'These are the birds you are to regard as unclean ...
[80]
Why red kites are now flying high again after rewilding success story
May 27, 2021 · Tom Bowser runs the Argaty Red Kites conservation project in Stirlingshire and is the author of A Sky Full of Kites: A Rewilding Story.
[81]
The Red Kite Recovery: A Conservation Success Story
Oct 31, 2023 · Red kites were near extinction due to persecution, but conservation efforts, including reintroduction, led to a successful recovery with around ...
[82]
Wordsworth's Kites – All Things Creative - WordPress.com
Aug 1, 2019 · Red Kites were alive and well in the 1800s in the Lake District. I have found three separate references to kites in the poems of William Wordsworth.
[83]
Red Kites - Wales: Land of the Wild - BBC
Apr 2, 2019 · The story of how strong conservation efforts led to the rescue of Wales' national bird. Release date: 02 April 2019 2 minutesMissing: Country | Show results with:Country
[84]
Learn about the red kite | Wildlife watching - Visit Wales
Jude Rogers takes her family to the remarkable Rhayader farm that helped fuel the red kite revival in Wales, learns the story of the Powell family's last ...
[85]
Wales' Red Kites - Dan Rouse
Oct 19, 2017 · The one bird you are guaranteed to see is the red kite. Found throughout Wales, the red kite has become a national bird for Wales, but it wasn't always the ...
[86]
Gigrin Farm
The Red Kite Centre is located in the most beautiful countryside, in the heart of Mid Wales, overlooking both the Wye and Elan Valleys, and just half a mile ...Red Kite Feeding · The Red Kite · Farm Walk · Opening Times & PricesMissing: tips Scotland
[87]
Argaty Red Kites – Rewilding Experiences in the Heart of Scotland
Welcome to Argaty, a rewilding estate. As a family we believe in making our home a great place for nature, from the kites in the sky to the squirrels in the ...Menu · Hides · Wildlife Activities · About usMissing: hotspots | Show results with:hotspots
[88]
Red kite guide: how to identify them, what they eat, and do they ...
Apr 20, 2022 · Red kites are largely scavengers, living off carrion, but they have quite a varied diet including small mammals and even earthworms. Please note ...
[89]
How birds keep cool and how to help them beat the heat - RSPB
Jun 17, 2025 · During the summer months, many birds are more active during the cooler temperatures of dawn and dusk, choosing to hide away when it gets hot.
[90]
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in the blood of ...
Dec 15, 2022 · In England, SGAR poisoning was diagnosed as the cause of death in 17.3% of reintroduced red kites found dead (n = 110) (Molenaar et al., 2017).
[91]
Rare leucistic Red Kite found fatally shot in County Down - RSPB
May 31, 2024 · ... Red Kites have suffered continuously from illegal persecution. Since 2008, 18 Red Kites are believed to have been shot or poisoned, although ...
[92]
Key factors in wind turbine collision rates for red kites revealed
Oct 29, 2025 · A further 12 collisions took place in Spain and France—often during the red kites' annual southbound migration. Of the Swiss cohort, four birds ...Missing: farm | Show results with:farm
[93]
About BirdTrack - BTO
BirdTrack provides facilities for observers to store and manage their own personal records as well as using these to support species conservation at local, ...
[94]
Red Kite - Life-Eurokite EN
In the latest "IUCN red list", the red kite is classified as not endangered (LC-Least Concern) worldwide (BirdLife International 2021). The breeding population ...<|separator|>
[95]
Disturbing proximity of a red kite's nest | Birds - The Guardian
Jul 22, 2017 · These are “schedule 1” birds under the 1981 Wildlife & Countryside Act, meaning that a red kite has year-round protection against disturbance, ...
[96]
ABA Code of Birding Ethics - American Birding Association
In particular, be aware of regulations related to birds, such as disturbance of protected nesting areas or sensitive habitats, and the use of audio or food ...