Facts about Red Kite

1. 08

   Milvus milvus, the scientific name of the red kite, places it in the same genus as the black kite, reflecting their close evolutionary relationship.

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2. 07

   In 2023, poisoning incidents killed approximately 15 percent of Britain's red kite population, with illegal persecution remaining the primary threat to their continued recovery.

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3. 06

   Wingspans of adult red kites typically reach 145 to 165 centimeters, making them among the largest raptors in European airspace despite their relatively modest body weight of 600 to 1,300 grams.

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4. 05

   Carrion and small mammals constitute approximately 90 percent of the red kite's diet, with rodents like voles and rabbits being primary prey items hunted during low-level flights.

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5. 04

   A red kite can soar for hours using thermal air currents while expending minimal energy, allowing it to hunt across territories spanning up to 25 square kilometers.

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6. 03

   Historically hunted to extinction in Britain by 1871, red kites were reintroduced starting in 1989 with birds imported from Spain and Sweden.

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7. 02

   The red kite's distinctive forked tail and reddish-brown plumage with pale head markings make it identifiable from distances exceeding one kilometer during flight.

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8. 01

   Between 1994 and 2008, the UK red kite population increased from approximately 40 breeding pairs to over 1,000 pairs through intensive reintroduction programs.

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