Details
Milvus milvus
Red kite is a bird associated with forests, grasslands and urban edges. It is carnivorous and often found in pairs. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Its range is represented here by the Palearctic, where it uses forests, grasslands and urban edges. Mobile species may shift habitat use with season, breeding sites, or food availability.
Typical wingspan 145-170 cm, weight 750 g-1.3 kg. It has a feathered bird body plan, with proportions shaped by its habitat and mode of movement.
It is mostly active by day and often found in pairs. Spacing, group size, and visibility can change with season, feeding conditions, and breeding activity.
It is carnivorous. Food choice and foraging style are tied to life in forests, grasslands and urban edges, so movements often follow available food resources.
During the breeding season it nests, incubates eggs, and feeds the young after hatching.
Recorded scientifically as Milvus milvus. It remains widespread in parts of its range, but local habitat change still matters. In this guide, size, habitat, and activity pattern are useful first clues for recognition.
