Red kite

The red kite is a graceful bird of prey with rust-red feathers and a forked tail. It lives mostly in Europe, though some wander as far as North Africa and the Middle East. These birds ride thermals with ease, often seen circling high above open countryside.

• Belongs to the same family as eagles and hawks but with a more slender build.
• Some northern populations migrate south in winter, while others stay year-round.
• Occasional wanderers have been spotted in places like Finland and Libya.