Red Kite

The majestic red kite, a distinctive bird of prey with a striking appearance and lifestyle, is a symbol of open landscapes and intact ecosystems. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the biology and ecology of the red kite and highlights the importance of its protection and conservation in natural habitats.

Red Kite Products

Profile: Red Kite

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Aves (birds)
    • Order: Accipitriformes (birds of prey)
    • Family: Accipitridae (Accipitridae)
    • Genus: Milvus
    • Species: M. milvus (Red Kite)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 60-70 cm
    • Wingspan: 150-170 cm
    • Weight: 800-1200 g
    • Special features: Reddish-brown plumage, deeply forked tail, long, narrow wings, bright feathers on the primaries and secondaries, shrill call.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe, North Africa, parts of the Middle East
    • Habitat: Open terrain such as meadows, fields, moors, but also forests with adjacent meadows and rivers.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Mainly scavengers
    • Typical diet: Carrion of small to medium-sized mammals, birds and fish, occasionally also live prey such as rodents, lizards and insects.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Breeding season: Spring
    • Nest building: In tall trees, often in old crows’ nests or specially built eyries
    • Egg laying: 2-3 eggs per clutch
    • Brood care: Both parents participate in the incubation and rearing of the young
    • Social structure: Usually in pairs or small colonies, migratory bird with winter quarters in warmer regions.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 15 years in the wild
    • Endangered status: Endangered due to habitat loss, pesticide poisoning, and direct persecution.
    • Conservation measures: preservation and protection of habitats, establishment of protected areas, reduction of pesticide use, education on the protection of the red kite.
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