Aberdeen red kites

Aberdeen red kites
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Frequently asked questions

What are red kites – what makes them special?

Red kites are one of Scotland’s most beautiful and inspirational birds. One of the UK’s largest birds of prey, they are unusually colourful and with their wing span of almost two metres and their long forked tails they are spectacularly aerobatic in flight.

What will they eat?

In captivity, the young birds will be fed only ‘wild’ food such as dead rabbits, road kills, venison, and a wide range of naturally occurring food. In the countryside, carrion makes up a very high proportion of their diet, but they will take some live prey such as small rodents and earthworms when the opportunities arises.

Why Aberdeen?

The outskirts of Aberdeen are a good location for the birds. There is suitable habitat and a great deal of potential prey to allow them to successfully colonise the area. The release will also complement the geographical spread of the overall Scottish reintroduction, following releases in the Black Isle, Dumfries and Galloway and Central Scotland.

When will the birds be released?

The young kites are released sometime in late July; the exact date depends on the development of the chicks.

Where have the Aberdeen Red Kites come from?

The birds that have been brought to Aberdeen have come from existing populations in the Chilterns, the Black Isle, Northamptonshire and Central Scotland.

Where have they gone to?

Most of the young birds have remained fairly local, but others have been more adventurous and headed further a field.  Aberdeen Red Kites have been seen in Galloway, Stirlingshire, Perthshire and Grantown-on-Spey. Check out the blog for recent information on the travels of the Aberdeen Red Kites.

Where can I see Aberdeen Red Kites?

The area immediately to the west of Aberdeen is a great place to see kites in Aberdeenshire. If you would like more information on where to see kites, please get in contact with the kite team via the email address: aberdeenredkites@rspb.org.uk