Red Kite

🔍 Overview

A soaring success story, the Red Kite is increasingly spotted across Sussex, often gliding effortlessly with a forked tail. Fairly common breeding resident (first bred in 2004) and an increasing visitor.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Large (60–70 cm)
Plumage: Reddish-brown with pale head
Distinctive Marks: Forked tail, long wings
Bill: Hooked
Tail: Deeply forked
Flight: Buoyant and graceful

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Widespread in the Sussex Weald and Downs. Best seen over Chantry and Cissbury.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Thin whistles and mewing calls. Scavenges and glides with little effort.

🍴 Diet

Carrion, small mammals, worms.

📸 Birding Tip

Scan the skies on warm days—look for that unmistakable forked tail.