Red Kite
The Red Kite is an elegant bird of prey, easily identifiable by its reddish-brown body, angled wings, and deeply forked tail which it twists to steer in flight. Once driven to near-extinction in the UK, it is now a major conservation success story following reintroduction programmes. They are primarily scavengers, often seen soaring effortlessly on thermals looking for carrion, though they will also hunt small mammals and worms.
Red Kite Quick Facts
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Red kites are known for their graceful, acrobatic flight and often scavenge for food in addition to hunting.
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Lifespan
10–15 years
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Habitat
Woodlands, open countryside
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Diet
Small mammals, carrion, worms
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Region
Europe, northwest Africa
Other animals
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Eurasian Kestrel
A small, agile raptor often seen hovering above fields.
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Shoebill
A large, stork-like bird from East Africa, famous for its massive shoe-shaped bill and statue-like hunting style.
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Fishing Cat
A wetland wild cat from Asia, skilled at swimming and catching fish.
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Greater Flamingo
A tall, elegant wading bird with pink plumage and a distinctive curved bill.