
The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is an unmistakable bird of prey, recognised by its rich rusty-red body, long deeply forked tail, and slender angled wings tipped in black with bright white panels beneath — often giving the impression it’s gently bending backwards as it glazes through the sky. With a pale grey head, yellow hooked beak, and yellow legs, it drifts effortlessly over open countryside, woodland edges, and even towns, scanning the ground below as it searches for food.