Page 132 - Complete Birds of Britain and Europe (DK - RSPB)

BIRDS OF PREY
Order Accipitriformes Family Accipitridae Species Milvus milvus
Red Kite pale eye whitish
head
pale tawny to
rust-red body
bowed wings
while soaring bold white
whitish to pale patch contrasts
red underside with black
of tail wrist patch
pale band on
upperwings
ADULT

ADULT
forked tail
IN FLIGHT
paler than
adult
ADULT
pale rufous tail,
deeply notched
paler
upperwings when closed
than adult’s
IMMATURE
gility and mastery in the air are synonymous with the kites: the FLIGHT: direct flight slow and steady with supple,
ARed Kite adds the appeal of colour and pattern. It is easily deep wingbeats; often twists tail as rudder; soars well
separated from the heavier, less elegant Buzzard, having more of but not usually to any great height; very aerobatic.
the lightness of a harrier, but even greater flexibility
and elasticity in its movements.Where common, it
gathers in groups of ten or even up to forty wherever
food is concentrated.
VOICE High, long-drawn, wailing or squealing weieie-
ee-ow, higher-pitched than Buzzard.
NESTING Large nest of sticks, rags, earth, and rubbish
in tree, usually well-hidden; 2–4 eggs; 1 brood;
March–June.
FEEDING Eats dead animals, such as rabbits or sheep; FLEXIBLE FLIGHT
catches birds up to crow or gull size in surprise dash; The kite flexes its wings and twists its long tail from side to side to exploit
also feeds on insects, earthworms, and voles. air currents to the full; it is capable of fast stoops and twisting dives.
SIMILAR SPECIES OCCURRENCE
Local in Great Britain, widespread
BLACK KITE BUZZARD in Spain, Portugal, France, parts
see p.131 see p.136
of S Europe, and north to Baltic.
less contrasted In open countryside and wooded
below valleys, higher up in summer but
stiffer, shorter
wings in low valleys in winter, when it
forages around towns and tips.
duller body
and tail Seen in the UK
short round tail J F M A M JJ A S O N D
Length 60–65cm (23 1 ⁄2 –26in) Wingspan 1.45–1.65m (4 3 ⁄4 –5 1 ⁄2ft) Weight 0.75–1.3kg (1 3 ⁄4 –2 3 ⁄4lb)
Social Small flocks Lifespan Up to 25 years Status Secure
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