Adult
Red Kites are slightly larger than the common Buzzard and are Rufous Red with
striking white patches under the wing. They have a pale grey head and unmistakable
forked tail.
The head has pale lemon yellow eyes and like all raptors
the beak is wickedly hooked, very sharp and is designed for tearing flesh. The
Kite has excellent eye sight and uses it to great effect while soaring over the
country side in search of food. A few fact: Lenght
Male 55-65 cms (22 - 26 inches) Females slightly larger than males Wing
Span 1.75 to 1.95m (5 1/2 to 6 1/2 ft) Weight Male 800 -1000g (28
- 35ozs) Weight Female 1000 -1200g (35 - 42ozs) Breeding
They begin breeding at 2 to 3 years Breeding Season March to July No
of Eggs laid normally 1 -4 5 very occasionally Incubation 28 to 37
days Fledging 45 to 70 days Diet maily carrion small
mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates (especially worms) Life Span
should be long lived, 15 plus years, oldest in Scotland in their 18th year, several
recorded in Wales approaching 20 years. The oldest British Kite is 26 years old. |