The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is a bird of prey in the Accipitridae family, primarily found in Europe. Once breeding in parts of Asia and Africa, red kites now predominantly stay in Europe. They typically measure 60 to 70 cm long, with a wingspan of 175–195 cm. Males weigh between 800–1,200 g, while females range from 1,000–1,300 g, and they are recognized for their rufous body, contrasting white primary feathers, and forked tail.
Red kites generally breed at two years old and are monogamous. Nests are built in large hardwood trees, using twigs brought by the male and lined with grass or wool. The female lays one to three eggs, which are incubated mainly by her. Hatching occurs after about 31 to 32 days, and chicks stay with their parents for 15-20 days after leaving the nest.
As scavengers and predators, their diet includes carrion, small mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles. They thrive in urban areas due to being fed by locals, contributing to their adaptability. The longest recorded lifespan of a red kite is over 25 years.
