The Return of the Red Kite: A Yorkshire Success Story
The story of the skies
Once a rare sight, the Red Kite is now the soaring symbol of Yorkshire’s wild spaces. This incredible journey began in 1999 at the Harewood Estate in West Yorkshire.
As the fifth reintroduction project in the UK, Yorkshire welcomed 68 young pioneers from the Chilterns between 1999 and 2003. Since then, they haven't just survived, they’ve thrived. From those first few birds at Harewood, they have spread their wings across the Wharfe Valley and over to the rolling East Yorkshire Wolds.
Find out more detail on this release here
Awe inspiring aerialists
To see a red kite in flight is to witness pure grace. They aren't just birds; they are masters of the air.
- The signature silhouette: Look for the unmistakable deeply forked tail, used like a rudder to twist and turn through the wind.
- The great reach: With a wingspan of up to 150cm (5ft), they dominate the skyline, yet they are surprisingly light, weighing little more than a bag of sugar.
- A life in the air: These resilient birds can live for nearly 20 years, becoming long-term neighbours in our rural communities.
Did you know? Yorkshire's kites are particularly prolific! While most pairs raise 1 to 3 chicks, at least two local pairs have successfully raised four. A testament to how much they love the Yorkshire landscape.
How to spot a kite
While the common buzzard is often mistaken for a kite, there are two key giveaways to help you tell them apart:
| Feature | Re Kite | Common buzzard |
| Tail shape | Forked | Fan shape |
| Head colour | Silver/Grey (Adults) | Brown/Mottled |
A global responsibility
While we see them everywhere in Yorkshire now, their story is even more important on a global scale. In parts of Europe, such as Spain, red kite numbers have plummeted. Because the UK reintroduction began in 1989, our local population is now a vital stronghold for the entire species.
By visiting our local trails and keeping an eye on the skies, you are part of one of the greatest conservation triumphs.
Red Kite (record shot) © Adrian Andruchiw 2019
FAQs
What do red kites eat?
Being scavengers they live mainly on carrion, things which are already dead, for example rabbits and rats. They will take some live prey, for example, mice, voles and the occasional small bird. At certain times of the year they will also forage for invertebrates, for example earthworms.
Do red kites kill for food?
Red kites do not have the power and strength of some birds of prey/raptors but will take small mammals, for example mice, voles and the occasional small bird.
How can I tell the difference between an adult and a juvenile red kite?
Adult birds have a silver/grey head and a pronounced fork in the tail. Close inspection will show black tips to the tail. (Second/right image)
Juveniles are generally paler in colour with their head more brown and the tail is noticeably less forked and in flight do not seem as steady as the adult. (First/left image)
There will be little difference in size between the two.
What’s the difference between the male and female red kite?
The plumage of both sexes is the same with the female being very slightly bigger than the male.
How big are red kites?
Their wing span is up to 150cm (5ft) and including their tail, their body length is approx.60cm (2ft) They weigh between 900 and 1,300 grams.
Where do red kites nest?
Red kites nest in trees, sometimes on top of old crows nests or squirrel dreys. They sometimes have more than one nest around the nesting site and the female chooses which one she wishes to use.
How many eggs/young do red kites have?
They usually lay just the one clutch of 1 to 3 eggs. However, clutches of 4 eggs have been recorded, at least 2 Yorkshire pairs having raised 4 young.
How long do red kites live?
The oldest Welsh Kite so far recorded was ringed 24 years before it died. There have been several other birds that have approached 20 years of age.
Where can I see red kites in Yorkshire?
In the Wharfe Valley around the Harewood Estate in West Yorkshire and on the East Yorkshire Wolds. Good views can be obtained from Public Rights of Way. See Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 294 and 297
Why do kites attend a communal roost?
Play’ is often common before the birds finally roost and maybe the ones that have found sufficient food earlier in the day and are ‘fed up’ have time on their hands. Play can be seen as carrying objects, twigs etc, dropping and catching them with others joining in. There are often aerial chases and mock fights, especially on windy days when not much energy is expended, giving young birds the chance to learn and improve skills. It may be that come the following day, hungry birds can ‘share information’ and follow other individuals to a known food source, sometimes called ‘network foraging’. It is also likely that unpaired young birds may find a mate in the opportunity to socialise at the communal roost.
At what age do red kites usually start breeding?
Normally in their second or third year, however several Yorkshire birds have been known to have bred successfully at 1 year old.
