Red Kite

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Red Kite: Milvus milvus

Family: Hawk & Eagle
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Habitat: Woodlands to wetlands. Hilly country with open grasslands 

Diet: carrion, rabbits, young hares, voles, field mice, birds & worms

Appearance: Yellow Eyes black, chestnut, grey and reddish-brown long narrow black tipped wings with white patches underneath its body. A long forked Tail. Sharp hooked beak.

Average body length: 60cm
Average Wingspan: 170cm
Average weight: 1 - 1.4 Kg

Extra Info: illegal use of poisoned baits, not set specifically for red kite, continues to be a major threat. Red kites are protected. Distinctive high pitch mewing sound. Red Kites were heavily persecuted to near extinction, careful protection has brought breeding numbers to a less endangered level.