Red Kite
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Milvus, Species: M. milvus
Family: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, Kites and Old World Vultures)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip and soft margins
- Size
- Approximately 4 to 6 inches long, typical of a large covert or scapular feather from a medium-to-large raptor
- Rarity
- Common in reintroduction areas such as Oxfordshire, UK, but locally rare or endangered in other parts of its global range
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Description
The Red Kite is a medium-large raptor instantly recognized by its deeply-forged tail and striking rufous-brown plumage. This feather exhibits the rich, warm reddish-brown tones characteristic of the species' body plumage, designed for insulation and display.
Colour & Pattern
Rich warm rufous-brown or chestnut coloration with darker shaft and a pale, whitish-buff base, exhibiting classic raptor warm morph pigmentation
Barb Structure
Pennaceous upper portion with a semiplume or downy base near the calamus, good structural integrity with intact barbs
Texture & Surface
Smooth and soft in the basal plumulaceous zone, transitioning to a firmer, matte pennaceous vane towards the tip
Key Features
Warm rufous-chestnut color, pale downy base, flexible dark rachis, and soft rounded contour shape
Habitat
Open countryside, semi-open landscapes, woodlands, river valleys, and agricultural areas
Geographic Range
Western Palearctic, particularly strong in parts of Europe including the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and France
Ecological Role
Primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion, small mammals, and earthworms, playing a crucial sanitary role in the ecosystem
Similar Species
Black Kite (Milvus migrans) or Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), distinguished by the more intensely warm rufous tones in the Red Kite
Interesting Facts
Red Kites were once common medieval scavengers in London and helped clean up city streets. They were nearly extinct in the UK before a successful reintroduction program.
Condition Notes
Good condition with intact barbs and minimal wear, suggesting it was recently molted
Notes
Blenheim ox20 Oxfordshire