Species profile
About this species
The Red Kite is a large, striking raptor native to Europe, easily recognised by its distinctive forked tail & rich reddish-brown plumage. It has a wingspan of up to 195cm & displays graceful, effortless flight as it soars on thermals searching for carrion & small prey. Once nearly extinct in Britain, successful reintroduction programmes have seen populations recover strongly across England, Scotland & Wales.
Red Kites favour open countryside including farmland, woodland edges, river valleys & upland areas. They are commonly found across Wales, central England & parts of Scotland, often soaring above mixed agricultural landscapes where food sources are readily available.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Red Kite with us in Spain.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Ian Roberts helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Winter months from November to February offer excellent opportunities as birds gather in greater numbers at feeding stations. Early morning & late afternoon light provides warm tones that complement the bird's reddish-brown plumage beautifully.
Position yourself near known feeding sites or open farmland where Red Kites regularly soar, allowing you to capture flight shots against clear skies. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1600s to freeze the bird's wingbeats & sharp tail movements during flight. A telephoto lens of 400-600mm is ideal for filling the frame while maintaining a respectful distance from the bird.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Red Kite
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.