The red kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. The red kite inhabits the temperate regions of Europe and northwest Africa. Its range includes the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Scandinavia and Morocco.
The Red Kite’s French Name
In French, the red kite is known as the “milan royal.” The word “milan” is derived from the Latin “milvus,” meaning kite or falcon. The “royal” descriptor likely refers to the red kite’s graceful and regal appearance in flight.
Some key facts about the French name for the red kite:
- The standard French name is “milan royal” (literally “royal kite”).
- In French, kites belong to the “milan” family of raptors rather than having individualized names.
- “Milan” comes from the Latin “milvus” for kite.
- The “royal” descriptor is a reference to the bird’s majestic appearance.
- Other European languages also include “royal” in their names, like the German “Rotmilan.”
So in summary, the graceful red kite’s French name is “milan royal” – identifying it as a kite, specifically a regal one.
The Red Kite’s Identification and Distribution
The red kite is medium-large, with a wingspan of approximately 60-70 inches (150-180 cm). As their name suggests, these raptors display reddish-brown plumage on their wings and body. Their heads are paler gray, with a signature deeply forked tail.
Red kites breed across the Western Palearctic region, spanning Europe and northwest Africa. Their breeding range centers on temperate Europe, including:
- France
- Spain
- Britain and Ireland
- Germany, Switzerland, Austria
- Poland and Eastern Europe
- Scandinavia
Isolated breeding populations also occur in Morocco and Algeria in North Africa. The red kite does not migrate long distances. Northern European populations are partially migratory, moving south for the winter, but birds in milder climates are resident year-round.
Countries With Breeding Populations
Here is a summary of countries where red kite breeding populations are found:
| Country | Breeding Population Status |
|---|---|
| Spain | Resident year-round |
| France | Resident year-round |
| Britain and Ireland | Resident year-round |
| Germany, Switzerland, Austria | Summer breeding residents |
| Poland, Eastern Europe | Summer breeding residents |
| Scandinavia | Summer breeding residents, partially migratory |
| Morocco, Algeria | Small isolated populations, resident |
Habitat and Ecology
The red kite inhabits open and partially wooded landscapes across temperate Europe and North Africa. They frequent woodland edges, wetlands, and agricultural areas. Their diet is varied, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and carrion.
Some key aspects of red kite habitat use and ecology:
- Occurs in open and partially wooded habitats such as agricultural areas, wetlands, woodland edges.
- Requires scattered trees or woodlots for nesting and roosting.
- Feeds on small vertebrate prey like rodents, reptiles, birds and carrion.
- An opportunistic forager, its diet varies based on habitat and available food.
- Will frequent human-altered rural landscapes in search of roadkill and other food.
The red kite’s adaptability to human-modified habitats has allowed it to thrive across much of Europe. For example, these raptors exploit roadkill from highways in Germany and farmland rodents in Britain. However, they remain dependent on scattered trees and woodlands for nest sites.
Example Foraging Habitats
| Foraging Habitat | Food Resources |
|---|---|
| Farmland | Small mammals like mice and voles |
| Wetlands | Amphibians, small fish, reptiles |
| Woodland edge | Nestling birds, small vertebrates |
| Highways | Carrion from roadkill |
| Grasslands | Large insects and other invertebrates |
Conservation Status and Threats
The red kite is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Europe’s overall population is estimated at 19,000-25,000 breeding pairs. Numbers declined dramatically from the 19th to 20th century. However, protective measures across their range have stabilized populations.
Major threats facing the red kite include:
- Habitat degradation, particularly loss of nesting trees.
- Poisoning from pesticides and illegal direct persecution.
- Electrocution from powerlines.
- Food shortages in some regions.
While still recovering, active conservation efforts and reduced persecution have allowed red kite numbers to increase in several countries. For example, reintroduction programs helped restore British and Swedish populations. Their adaptable feeding habits also facilitate living near humans.
Population Trends by Country
| Country | Breeding Population Trend |
|---|---|
| Britain | Increasing, estimated 4,600 pairs |
| France | Stable overall, but declining in north |
| Spain | Unknown, several 1000s pairs |
| Germany | Increasing, >10,000 pairs nationwide |
| Sweden | Increasing, up to 1800 pairs |
Interesting Facts
Here are a few interesting and fun facts about the red kite:
- Red kites decorate their nests with colorful man-made objects and materials like cloth, paper, and plastic.
- Their distinctive forked tail acts like a rudder in flight.
- Charles Darwin noted red kites as one of the many species he observed while traveling to the Galapagos.
- Red kites engage in elaborate aerial courtship displays including loops and dives.
- Chicks will jump up and down and beg for food by reaching to the sky, behavior called “skydancing.”
In the Middle Ages, red kites in London were given protected status by the Crown. Their scavenging was appreciated as “useful service” on city streets!
Nest Decoration Examples
| Material | Possible Source |
|---|---|
| Paper scraps | Newsprint, magazines, cardboard |
| Fabric and rags | Clothing, furniture stuffing |
| Twine or string | Wrapping material, fiber cord |
| Plastic | Bags, packaging material |
| Aluminum foil | Food wrappers |
Conclusion
With its attractive rufous plumage and deeply forked tail, the red kite is one of Europe’s most recognizable raptors. In French, it is known as the “milan royal” – identifying it as a majestic kite. Red kites breed across temperate Europe and parts of North Africa. Though their populations suffered from persecution, they are recovering in many regions.
These adaptable raptors frequent open country and woodland edges, feeding on small vertebrates, carrion, and more. Conservation efforts now aim to reduce habitat degradation and other threats. Unique behaviors like nest decoration with human materials add to the red kite’s charm. Their resilience illustrates how a species can rebound given sufficient protective measures, offering some well-deserved hope.
