Red Kite Feeding Station Bellymack Hill Farm, Laurieston, Castle Douglas, DG7 2PJ, GB
01644 450202
Home Trail MapViewing AreasKite FactsInfo PointsTrail HistoryPlaces to Stay, Eat & EnjoyContact usPartnersLinksAudio Trail GuideTrail Reports
Search for Local Services inc Accommodation:

1. Field Characters & Identification

Click for more images
Field Characters & Identification

Latin Name:- Milvus milvus.

Type:- Raptor.angus_hogg_013.gif


Length:- 60 - 66cm.


Wingspan: 175-195cm


Weight:- 800-1,300g


   
Habitat:- Likes deciduous woodland with farmland and grassland nearby.


Wintering:- Similar to breeding habitats but winter communal roosts are often established in woods.


Behaviour:- Will perch in the open. Takes off from vegetation and ground.


Food:- Carrion, worms, insects, amphibians and small mammals. Will also feed on food scraps


Flocking:- a gregarious bird which may congregate around food sources and at communal roosts..


Flight:-A gliding bird, graceful , powered flight is lethargic, with slow wing beats often found in flight in windy weather..


Voice:- whistling calls.


Life span:- 15 to 20 years. The oldest record in the UK is 26 years.


Similar species:- Marsh harrier, Buzzard.

Identification

Head:- -Silver-grey.

Throat:- Silver-grey.

Breast:- Reddish brown, streaked.

Belly:- Reddish brown, streaked.

Upperparts:- Reddish brown.

Rump:- Reddish brown.

Wings upper:- Reddish brown, with black edges.

Wings Lower:- Redddish brown, with white tips and black edges.

Tail:- Reddish brown, long and forked .

Bill:- Yellow, hooked.

Legs:- Yellow, medium length.

Dumfries & Galloway Leader Local Action Group