Where are Red Kite found in the wild?

Red Kites prefer to nest in open woodlands, farmland, and hilly areas across Africa. They thrive in regions where they can use their spectacular vision to hunt for small mammals, carrion, and worms, making them skilled aerial hunters in a variety of environments.

"Milvus milvus Les Fourgs 20230907" by Marie-Lan Taÿ Pamart is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Red Kite

Soar high with the colorful aerial acrobats of the sky!

"Milvus milvus Les Fourgs 20230907" by Marie-Lan Taÿ Pamart is licensed under CC BY 4.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Milvus milvus

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Location

Europe and parts of North Africa

Average size

22 to 26 inches long

diet

Small mammals, carrion, and worms

lifespan

Up to 26 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

The Red Kite is a majestic bird known for its stunning appearance and graceful flight. This bird, with a long tail and distinctive forked shape, measures between 56 to 66 centimeters (22 to 26 inches) in length, making it a sight to see as it glides through the air.
Red Kites belong to the family Accipitridae and are skilled hunters. Their diet consists of small mammals, carrion, and even tasty worms, allowing them to be versatile eaters in their habitats.
These birds have unique feathers with reddish-brown coloration and a striking white head and tail. Their beautiful plumage helps them blend into the landscapes of Africa, where they often soar high while searching for food.
Red Kites use their keen eyesight to spot prey from impressive heights. They can spot a snack even from hundreds of meters above, allowing them to swoop down swiftly and snatch up dinner.
Much to the delight of bird watchers, Red Kites can live surprisingly long lives. These birds can reach an impressive lifespan of up to 26 years in the wild, enjoying many years of soaring and gliding.
Whether they are hunting or simply riding the thermals, Red Kites showcase pure elegance in the sky. Watching them glide can inspire anyone to dream of flying high like these magnificent birds!

Where can you find a Red Kite in the wild?

What does a Red Kite eat?

How big can a Red Kite grow?

How long does a Red Kite typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Red Kite?

What are the main threats to the Red Kite?

wowzerful facts

Red Kites have an impressive wingspan measuring between 1.8 to 2.1 meters (5.9 to 6.9 feet), allowing them to soar gracefully while searching for food.

These birds are experts at riding thermals, which are columns of warm air. They can glide effortlessly for hours, conserving energy while enjoying the view from above.

Red Kites have a special grooming technique - they use their beaks to preen their feathers. This keeps them clean and in top shape for flying!

These birds have a unique social behavior; they often hunt in pairs or family groups. Watching them swoop together makes birdwatching a thrilling experience.

Red Kites can spot a mouse from high up in the sky. Their vision is so sharp, they can see clearly even from hundreds of meters above the ground!

Young Red Kites practice their flying skills by doing little 'flying lessons,' jumping off branches and flapping their wings before they can glide smoothly like their parents.

These kites have a distinct call that sounds like a series of high-pitched whistles. Their vocalizations help them communicate with other kites while enjoying the open skies.

Red Kites often scavenger for meals instead of catching them, which means they can also munch on leftovers from larger predators - talk about being resourceful!

When Red Kites build their nests, they cleverly use materials like twigs, grass, and even bits of plastic or paper to create a cozy home for their chicks.

Red Kites can perform a dazzling aerial display called 'sky-dancing' during mating season, where they soar and swoop, showing off their flying skills to each other!