Scientific Name:
Milvus milvus
Common Name:
Red Kite
Family:
Hawks, Eagles, Kites, Buzzards and Harriers: Accipitridae
Summary:
The Red Kite is an elegant bird of prey. It has a reddy brown plumage and a white streaked head. The beak is yellow and hooked, the tail deeply forked and the feet yellow. It circles over woodland for long periods at a time. Successfully reintroduced into many areas.
Ecology:
The Red Kite scavenges for food and has been prone to poisoning by pesticides in the past. Now widespread once more after a period of severe national decline.
Habitat:
Woodland and forest
Distribution:
Central Wales. Some in Southern England, and small reintroduction in Scotland.
Size:
60 cm