![]() The long term mean productivity of the Scottish red kite population is 1.8 young per pair laying eggs, which is at the top end of the European range for this species. The number of breeding pairs of red kites in Scotland has doubled every 4-6 years. This is thought to be close to an accurate population estimate, although a few breeding pairs may be missed each year. In 2012 there were 214 breeding pairs of red kites in Scotland and 318 young were fledged. As populations of red kites have become larger SRSG members have also become increasingly involved in the annual monitoring effort. The reintroduced birds have been closely monitored by RSPB Scotland staff using radio and wing tagging techniques. Finally, between 20 101 red kites were released on the outskirts of Aberdeen with donor stock from the Chilterns and from central Scotland. In order to re-establish red kites in the south of Scotland, between 20 104 birds were released near Laurieston (Dumfries and Galloway), using donor stock from north Scotland and the Chilterns reintroduction project in England. This initial reintroduction was followed by a second reintroduction programme in central Scotland (Doune, near Stirling) between 19, releasing 103 birds of eastern German origin. Between 19, 93 red kites of Swedish origin were reintroduced on the Black Isle (Ross-shire). Clues to their former presence live on in old place names, particularly with the old Scots name for the red kite (the Gled), in names such as Gladhouse (Lothian), Gledfield (Highland) and Gledsmuir (Borders).īetween 19 a joint RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage project was undertaken to reintroduce red kites to Scotland, with the ambition of restoring the bird eventually to all of its former range in the country. Most of the last documented breeding attempts in Scotland were in the Highlands in the 1870-1880s and there is one later record of a pair nesting in Glen Garry (Lochaber) in 1917 (Baxter and Rintoul). The red kite was formerly an abundant and widely distributed species in the country prior to this time. Most Kites, swoop down at very high speed and snatch the food, the Kites will also been seen eating their food 'on the wing' while still flying.The red kite became extinct as a Scottish breeding bird species in the late nineteenth century, primarily due to human persecution by sporting estates, the taxidermy trade and egg collecting. It is unusual to see a Red Kite sat on the ground feeding. As mentioned above, only very small mammals need to be protected from aerial attack. It should be noted that most family pets are not at risk from the Red Kites circling over their properties. However, many youngsters will also see the Red Kites clearing up the discarded snacks and trash in a school playground, after the children have returned to class. The other favourite foods include carrion, mice, voles, shrews, small birds and small reptiles. Earth worms are the favourite food source of the Red Kites, which can often be seen following many a Farmer’s tractor around the British countryside. For a large raptor it has small, weak talons and cannot attack larger mammals that a Common Buzzard might prefer. ![]() ![]() The Red Kite is a scavenger and will eat almost anything. Some of the images above show the wonderful chest and neck feathers and of course that distinctive tail, unique to the Kite family and so powerful in the aerial acrobatics that can be seen in the skies above. The beautiful plumage of the Red Kite has to be seen to be appreciated. The latest estimate is that England has more than 2000 pairs of Red Kites.Ī medium-large bird of prey, the Red Kite has a wing span of up to 180cm and with its long-forked tail can measure up to 70cm in length. The Red Kite is a magnificent raptor that has made an amazing come-back since it nearly became extinct through human predation and the extensive use of dangerous agricultural pesticides.Ī reintroduction program in England and Scotland in the late 1990s and again in 2004, saw over 200 pairs produce eggs with almost 300 successful juveniles taking flight. ![]()
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