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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.

It is a European species which is resident in the milder parts of its range, but birds from northern and central Europe winter further south and west. In the United Kingdom, the WelshFor alternate meanings, see Wales (disambiguation Wales ( Welsh: Cymru pronounced /"k@mrI/ SAMPA, km IPA, 'Kumree' approximate pronunciation) is one of the four nations comprising the United Kingdom (the other three being England, Scotland and Northern Ir population has been supplemented by re-introductions in EnglandEngland is the largest, the most populous, and the most densely populated of the four " Home Nations" which make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). Occupying the south-eastern portion of the island of Great Britain, England and ScotlandScotland or in Scottish Gaelic, Alba is a country and former independent kingdom of northwest Europe, and one of the four nations comprising the United Kingdom. Scotland occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Scotland took part in a p. The reintroductions in The Chilterns have been a particular success, with a now well-established strong population. The kites are a common sight above the houses of the BuckinghamshireBuckinghamshire (abbreviated Bucks is a county in south central England. The county town is Aylesbury. Buckinghamshire is divided into four districts: Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe. The ceremonial county (which is based on the post- 19 village of StokenchurchStokenchurch is a village in Buckinghamshire, England. It is located in the Chiltern Hills, about three miles south of Chinnor in Oxfordshire, six miles west of High Wycombe. The village name is Anglo Saxon in origin, and means 'church made of logs'. and its surrounding area.

In the Middle AgesThe Middle Ages formed the middle period in a schematic division of European history into three 'ages': Classical civilization, the Middle Ages, and Modern Civilization. It is commonly dated from the end of the Western Roman Empire ( 5th century) until th, Red Kites were much more widespread, their scavenging habits making them the refuse collectors of the day, but their numbers have much decreased through illegal persecution and poisoning. They will take small live prey as well as carrion, and will rob other birds.

The Red Kite is an elegant bird, soaring with long wings held at a dihedral, and long forked tail twisting as it changes direction.

The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous. The white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondaries.

This species nests in trees, often close to other kites. In winter, many kites will roost together.

See also Black Kite.