7/23/2023 0 Comments Red kite nesting sitesRed Kites in the United Kingdom are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. However, Magpies, Crows, and Goshawks may take their eggs and chicks. What are the predators of Red Kites?Īdult Red Kites have few natural enemies. Nevertheless, their average lifespan is just four years or so. Wild Red Kites can live at least 26 years, and captive specimens have survived for an impressive 38 years. Man is the greatest threat to the Red Kite, although conservation and protection have seen their numbers rise. They also have a dark band across their tail and light streaking on their chest and belly. Juveniles are generally paler and have a less silvery head than adults. They are best identified by behavioural differences. Their hooked bill is yellow with a black tip, their legs are yellow, and they have pale grey to yellow eyes.įemale Red Kites are larger than males but otherwise identical. Perched birds show mottled brown plumage over most of their body, although their head is a silvery shade. Each wing tip ends in large black finger-like primary feathers. When seen from below, the body and upper wings are red-brown, while the head, tail and ends of the wings are a paler grey shade. Red Kites are frequently seen in flight when their deeply forked tail is a defining feature. Continue reading to learn how to identify the Red Kite. They are most likely to be confused with other raptors like the Buzzard and Marsh Harrier. Red Kites are large birds with a distinct shape. Other birds in the Kites, hawks and eagles family Appearance & Identification
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