Hawks and eagles
Red Kite
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Milvus milvus
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Voice
Song
Call
Song
How to recognize it
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Medium-sized raptor, slimmer and paler than Black Kite
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Long wings held in a shallow V; long tail with a deep fork
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Rufous-brown body; white primary feathers with black tips
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Thin piping call; soars low and twists, turning with the tail
About the species
The Red Kite has a light, graceful look, with long wings and a deeply forked tail that it often twists in flight. It feels less heavy than many other raptors, and its steady outline is easy to remember once you see it circling overhead.
It usually soars low and calmly, scanning below for food rather than rushing around. Its call is thin and piercing, and its overall manner is not aggressive, with a habit of relying on height and patience.
It uses old broadleaf and mixed woods near open ground, as well as farmed countryside. It feeds on small prey and carrion, especially larger animals, and in some places it also turns up around towns and gardens. In northern and eastern parts of its range, many move south for winter, while more and more now stay through the year.
Where to find
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Over mature city parks with old lime and oak trees — circling on long wings, the forked tail stands out when it turns.
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Along canal banks, pond edges, and reed-lined river walks — in the morning it may glide low over the water while searching for prey.
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On the city edge where open lawns and vacant lots meet — watch for slow soaring over the open ground, then a sudden drop toward the grass.
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Where food waste or informal feeding spots attract scavengers, Red Kite may drift in circles overhead, waiting for an easy meal.
