Kites

Characteristic features of kites

The genus consists of two species, the red kite living in Europe and the black kite. Kites have a small head, long wings and a strikingly long forked tail. Kites glide with wings stretched out flat and are excellent gliders. They build their nests in trees. As the name red kite suggests, the plumage of the red kite is characterised by a dark rust-red colour. The black kite is distinguished by a dark brown colour. Both the red kite and the black kite have in common that the female is significantly larger and heavier than the male.

Kites live in different natural landscapes – on the one hand in wooded areas, on the other hand they are also found in water-rich areas. The diet of kites is adapted to the respective environmental conditions: they mainly feed on living reptiles and mammals, but also often on carrion. If they live near water, fish is part of their diet. Black kites in particular show a preference for fish. If they are found near cities, kites sometimes also feed on waste.

Population of kites

Although black kites are more widespread than red kites, both are on the Red List of endangered animal species. The main reason is that the natural landscapes in which kites live are increasingly being destroyed by humans.