Red Kite
Milvus milvus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The red kite is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. The species currently breeds only in Europe, though it formerly also bred in West Asia and Northwest Africa. Historically, it was only resident in the milder parts of its range in Western Europe and Northwestern Africa, whereas all or most red kites in Northern mainland Europe wintered to the south and west, some also reaching western Asia, but an increasing number of northern birds now remain in that region year-round. Vagrants have reached north to Finland and south to Israel, Libya and the Gambia.
Fun Fact
Red kites were so common in medieval London that they were protected by royal decree for keeping streets clean of refuse — Shakespeare mentioned them as common scavengers.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Woodlands and open country
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Illegal Logging