Least Concern Red Kite
Milvus milvus
Also known as: Royal 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.
Did you know?
Red kites are known for their graceful, acrobatic flight and often scavenge for food in addition to hunting. Quick Facts
Detailed Information on the Red Kite
Weight
1 kg
Height
63 cm
Length
63 cm
Wingspan
185 cm
Top Speed
50
km/h
Social Structure:
Loose groups
Activity Pattern:
Diurnal
Trophic Level: Scavenger/Predator
Migration: Partially migratory
Population Trend: Increasing
Main Threats:
- Poisoning (illegal/secondary)
- Habitat degradation
Chiltern Hills (UK)
Giglio Island (Italy)
Family: Accipitridae
Order: Accipitriformes
