Birds of prey, also known as raptors, include species of bird that primarily hunt and feed on vertebrates that are large relative to the hunter. Such birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight.
There are over 500 species of raptors found throughout the world. Raptors are found on every continent except Antarctica and can be found in a wide range of habitats from dense forests to open grasslands and deserts. Some raptor species have extremely large global ranges covering multiple continents while others are endemic to small islands. When looking at the distribution and abundance of raptors across the globe, one species stands out as the most common and widespread bird of prey in the world – the red kite.
About the Red Kite
The red kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-sized raptor found throughout much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some key facts about the red kite:
- Length: 60-66 cm
- Wingspan: 150-179 cm
- Weight: 0.8-1.2 kg
- Lifespan: up to 24 years in the wild
- Habitat: open areas with scattered trees
- Range: widespread across much of Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa
- Diet: small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, carrion
The red kite has brownish-reddish plumage with lighter streaking. As a soaring bird of prey, it has long wings with fingered wing-tips which allow it to effectively ride thermals and updrafts while hunting the landscape below. The long forked tail helps provide aerial maneuverability and stability. Red kites are opportunistic hunters and will feed on a wide variety of small prey depending on availability. They are social birds and often feed, roost, and breed communally.
Global Range and Abundance
The red kite occupies an extremely large global range estimated at over 10 million square kilometers. Europe accounts for 75-94% of its global breeding range. The below map shows the breeding and resident range of the red kite in yellow.
Photo credit: IUCN Red List
Population estimates for the red kite include:
- Europe: 190,000-220,000 breeding pairs
- Asia: 100,000-1,000,000 breeding pairs
- Africa: 1,000-10,000 breeding pairs
While the red kite underwent significant declines in the 20th century, particularly in Britain, conservation efforts have helped populations stabilize and recover in many parts of its range. Its large range and substantial numbers make the red kite the most abundant and widespread raptor species globally.
Comparison to Other Common Raptors
The red kite stands out as the most common and numerous bird of prey even when compared to other widespread raptor species:
| Species | Population Estimate | Range (million sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Kite | 1-2 million pairs | 10+ |
| Black Kite | 100,000-1 million pairs | 5-10 |
| Common Buzzard | 500,000-2 million pairs | 8 |
| Western Marsh Harrier | 110,000-320,000 pairs | 5 |
The red kite has both a larger global population and range size than other common raptors like the black kite, common buzzard, and western marsh harrier. The only species that rivals the red kite’s widespread distribution is the black kite. However, the black kite has a lower total population estimate making the red kite the rarest and most ubiquitous raptor globally.
Reasons for Widespread Success
Several key factors have allowed the red kite to become so successful and widespread compared to other birds of prey:
Adaptability
The red kite is a highly adaptable species able to utilize many habitat types from agricultural areas to woodlands and opportunistically feed on diverse prey sources. This adaptability allows red kite populations to thrive across different environments.
Breeding Habits
Red kites breed communally often forming loose colonies. Their social nature helps facilitate finding mates and raising offspring. Red kites will also readily nest close to human habitation provided food sources exist.
Scavenging
A key aspect of the red kite’s diet is carrion and garbage scavenging. This readily available food source allows red kite numbers to remain high even when live prey is scarce.
Conservation Efforts
Protection of nesting sites and reduced persecution has aided the recovery of red kite populations, especially in Europe. Ongoing conservation helps maintain high numbers across much of its range.
Climate Tolerance
The red kite can tolerate a wide range of climates from subarctic to tropical which facilitates its expansive distribution across continents.
Threats and Declines
While still the most common raptor globally, red kite populations face a number of threats and have declined in parts of its range, including:
- Habitat degradation – loss of nesting sites and foraging habitat
- Poisoning – secondary poisoning from pesticides and bait
- Persecution – illegal shooting and trapping
- Disturbance – of breeding colonies
- Electrocution – on powerlines
Conservation efforts to counteract these threats and protect remaining habitat are important to ensure red kite populations remain stable into the future. While still abundant, their numbers are lower than historical levels in Europe and parts of Asia.
Conclusion
With its extremely large range across Europe, Asia, and Africa along with substantial global population estimates, the red kite stands out as the most common and abundant bird of prey on Earth. No other raptor comes close to matching the red kite’s widespread distribution and numbers. The adaptability, social breeding habits, and scavenging lifestyle of the red kite have facilitated its success across diverse habitat types and climate zones. Targeted conservation efforts have also aided the red kite’s recovery in areas where it suffered declines. Despite facing some ongoing threats, the red kite remains a ubiquitous sight in the skies over much of the Northern Hemisphere and the world’s most common bird of prey.
