FEATHERY FRIDAY # 40

FEATHERY FRIDAY# 40

Yesterday we met a cute little rainforest bird, but today we’re going to meet a big raptor! We’re taking a hike in the woods to see if we can find this handsome feathered friend!

MEET THE RED KITE!

   Range/Habitat: Europe-West Asia-North Africa/ forests-woodlands

   Diet: Carnivore: small mammals, carrion

   Length/Weight: 24-26”/ 27-36 lbs

   Conservation Status: Near threatened

Fun Facts:

• Red kites are agile fliers.
• They have a wide wing span and forked tails.
• Red kites often tilt side to side while they fly.
• Red kites have pale grey heads.
• They are diurnal (active during the day).
• Red kites are primarily scavengers.
• Mother red kites have their chicks play “dead” to avoid predators like fox.

These handsome birds were almost extinct in parts of the UK. They have had their numbers grow after a group of dedicated people have worked to save them. That’s good, because the skies are more beautiful when there are red kites flying!