Wild Wednesday – Red kite
This week's Wild Wednesday celebrates one of the UK's most spectacular conservation success stories - the red kite, a bird of prey once on the brink of extinction, can be seen soaring over the skies of West Sussex once again!
With its reddish-brown plumage, deeply forked tail, and almost six-foot wingspan, the red kite, scientific name, Milvus milvus, is unmistakable. These elegant birds are often seen gliding effortlessly over open countryside, woodlands, and even urban areas, using their tail like a rudder to steer with precision.
From extinction to expansion
Just 50 years ago, red kites were nearly extinct in England and Scotland, surviving only in a secret stronghold in Wales. Their decline was driven by persecution, egg collecting, and pesticide use. Thanks to one of the world's longest-running protection programmes, including reintroductions from Sweden, Spain, and Wales, the Red Kite has made a dramatic comeback and between 1995 and 2023, their numbers increased by 2,464%, and the UK now hosts around 17% of the global population.
Red kites in West Sussex
Locally, red kites are becoming a more familiar sight. They have been spotted soaring over the South Downs, Arundel, and areas stretching from Midhurst to Havant.
Though still outnumbered by buzzards, their presence is growing steadily, and sightings are now common across the Arun district.
A few facts
- they often line their nests with unusual items, from wool and twigs to gloves, sunglasses, and even cuddly toys!
- they were once so common in cities that Shakespeare referred to London as a city of 'kites and crows'
- despite their size, they have relatively weak talons and rely mostly on scavenging
Red kites are protected under UK law, but threats like illegal poisoning and habitat loss still exist. You can support their recovery by:
- reporting sightings to local wildlife groups
- avoiding the use of harmful pesticides
- supporting conservation charities like the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Sussex Wildlife Trust
If you are out walking on the Downs or enjoying one of our green spaces, keep an eye on the sky - you might just see one circling above, searching for prey.
Read more here: Red kite | The Wildlife Trusts
Photo credit - Melanie Randall