From tiny Merlins to enormous White-tailed Eagles, the UK’s birds of prey come in all shapes and sizes. These masterful predators are a real treat to see, but they’re often super-fast and many species look quite similar, which can make identifying them a challenge. In this guide, we share some simple ID tips to help you.
Thanks to a reintroduction project, Red Kites have made a remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction in the UK. They’re now found across much of Wales, and central and eastern England, as well as parts of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. You might see them flying over woodland, open countryside and even towns.
Red Kites are now a familiar sight, soaring high in the sky. They’re one of the UK’s best success stories, with the RSPB playing its part in their recovery. In just a few decades, they’ve gone from being on the brink of extinction to much higher numbers – there are now around 6,000 pairs of Red Kites in the UK. Their spectacular recovery shows that with clear and targeted action, we can help struggling species. However, there’s still work to be done. Despite their success, they are still victims of illegal persecution.
Red Kites mainly feed on carrion and can often be seen soaring high above roads, on the lookout for roadkill. When soaring they constantly adjust the angle of their tail to steer, while barely moving their wings. Listen out for their characteristic whistling ‘peee eooo eooo’ call.
