Red Kites (Milvus milvus) are distinctive birds of prey with a large wing span of up to two metres, a forked tail, and a beautiful mixture of black, grey, reddish brown and chestnut plumage. They are opportunistic scavengers and foragers, primarily feeding on carrion and are known to nest in woodlands with a preference for oak and beech trees.
Once a common sight
Red Kites were once a common sight throughout the UK until their persecution between 1850 and 1900, and they became extinct in England in 1871 (RSPB, 2014). A small remnant population survived in the old Oakwood valleys of mid-Wales, and in 1903 they were given protection. There was just one single breeding female bird at this time; by 1960 the population did not exceed 20 pairs and their range did not expand. The slow reproductive rate was said to be due to the lack of genetic variability and limited food availability.
These birds have since been introduced into several areas of England including South of England (the Chilterns AONB), Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Oxfordshire, where they are now numerous. Currently they are not widespread in Warwickshire, however the West Midland Bird Club and Warwickshire Biological Records Centre have received increased records of the Red Kite across the County. Steve Haynes, County bird recorder for Warwickshire, reports that: “The first pair in modern times bred in South Warwickshire last year and the number of Red Kites is estimated to be much higher than reported, although they are not to be expected to be sighted in the County on a day out”.
Please send in records of the Red Kite
You can submit your records via email to wbrc@warwickshire.gov.uk or online. This will help us better estimate their distribution and population size.
Comments
I’ve seen a few of these marvellous birds over southern Warwickshire over the last couple of years including two sightings over Warwick. Records supplied to the WBRC. There’s no mistaking that forked tail, even when they’re at a great height.
I live in Long Compton and see red kites on a regular basis over the village.
This Autumn the sightings have been more numerous.
Just spotted one at Littleworth 2m SW of Warwick this morning. First one I’ve spotted in this location. Have supplied record.
Just seen a red kite this lunchtime flying low overhead in a field in Southam, Warwickshire. Great to see, common to seeing them in Oxford and the chilterns but never Warwickshire, and certainly surprised to see them in Southam. Maybe soon they will get a foothold.
Just spotted a lovely red kite in Oxhill Warwickshire.
I was very impressed, the resident rooks less so ha ha!
We have had a number of sightings at Ryton Pools Country Park over the last three years, with two this year. Both of the most recent individuals were making their way over towards Ryton Wood. This has led to some speculation if they are prospecting for nest sites!
Just seen a single red kite flying over my street Tryan road in Nuneaton Warwickshire on the way back from taking the dog out. Couldn’t believe it.
A red kite flew overhead today, the second sighting we’ve had in Wootton Wawen in the last 3 weeks.
Spotted a red kite fly over me at Ratcliffe Culey very distinctive markings plus that forked tail, First sighting for me in this area. Have recorded it.
What good news this is.
I am sure that I have seen and heard Red Kites over Cutnall Green, Worcs is this likely, they have a distinctive call.
Sunday morning about 11:00am had a clear sighting of a Red Kite at quite a low level over my garden in Pailton.
My wife & I watched it for some minutes before it ambled off in an westerly direction accompanied by an irate crow/rook.
Many thanks to all for reporting red kite sightings.
Please email wbrc@warwickshire.gov.uk with the nearest postcode where you saw one and date so we can have a full record.
I saw a Red-Kite at 3pm Sunday 26/02/2017 at Ryton Pools above the visitors centre
Red Kite seen over Harbury gardens on the morning of Sunday 9th April 2017.
I’ve just seen a red kite flying over my field just off the Tamworth road and Dawmill lane, Arley.
Just seen a Red Kite in Kingswinford , West Midlands . Very unusual – bit far north for Warwickshire but happy to see him
Red Kite spotted above the village of Hunningham at 10.30am, 26th July 2018. Also, spotted a Red Kite over Hill Top Farm café a few days earlier.
Red Kite spotted just outside the village of Bubbenhall, at the junction of Baginton lane and watery lane at 1pm on 06/08/2018. Bird circled for 5minutes then drifted off in the direction of Stoneleigh.
I saw a kite in Church Lawford on 4th November 2018.
First one I’ve seen in Warwickshire.
Spotted a red kite in Bretford and Brinklow in the past couple of weeks. 😊👍
I saw one on the road between Wellesbourne & Compton Verney Saturday 6th April.
Also seen Red Kites over Kineton, Compton Verney, several times now since last summer
Spotted red kite along m40, approx 2 miles south of junction 15
A red kite (being mobbed) spotted over the Fosse Way just south of the turn to Combrook on July 1st (2019). It’s great to find them spreading up from their stronghold in the Chilterns.
Spotted my first Red Kite in Rugby today over Brownsover. Lovely to finally see one here 🙂
Red kite spotted, 08/03/2020 near Twycross Zoo at 1pm.
Four red kites spotted circling over Bulkington 27/4/20
Red kite spotted between Loxley and Stratford-on-Avon – 5th April 2020. Circling over fields.
Spotted a pair of red kites in a field in coughton near studley it was a awesome sight the wingspans are unbelievable .2/12/2020
One Red Kite, over Weston Lane, near Bubbenhall, 10.30am, 13/02/2021
Enjoying the sunshine on Monday and sitting with the family, socially distancing, in our back garden we saw a pair of red kites gliding together, enjoying flying and circling each other.
Just thought I’d let you know.
Red Kite spotted flying above housing estate just outside Warwick, 10:40am on April 9th 2021.
Please ask Mr. Wright, where in Warwickshire did he see the Kites.
Saw a red kite above Meriden, Coventry a few weeks ago
Red kite spotted 12.40pm, 11/06/2021, at Hilltop Farm, Hunningham, Warwickshire.
I drive around the Midlands a lot and see these most days
Pair of Red Kites at Junction of Bubbenhall lane and watery lane. 25th June 2022. 3pm. Bubbenhall, near Coventry.
Hi
My mom lives in mid Wales so a very common site when we visit. However was amazed to see one yesterday where I live in Meriden.
Amazing site
Spotted one yesterday flying over Horeston Grange, Nuneaton. Not seen one this far north before
Spotted them around Kenilworth this summer. Just last week (end Sept), one was circling and calling quite low over our house, and then headed off towards Kenilworth castle. A few weeks before that we saw two circling together over Caesar Road/Archer Road.
Just spotted Red Kite again floating around Fillongley Village.
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