Nests vary greatly in size and can become large
when the same nest is occupied for several
seasons.[1 5] The eggs are laid at three-day
intervals. The clutch is usually between one and
three eggs but 4 and even 5 eggs have
occasionally been recorded. The eggs are non-
glossy with a white ground and red-brown spots.
The average size is 57 mm × 45 mm (2.2 in × 1 .8
in) with a calculated weight of 63 g (2.2 oz).[1 5] In
Britain and in central Europe laying begins at the
end of March but in the Mediterranean area
laying begins in early March.[1 9] The eggs are
mainly incubated by the female, but the male will
relieve her for short periods while she feeds. The
male will also bring food for the female.
Incubation starts as soon as the first egg is laid.
Each egg hatches after 31 to 32 days but as they
hatch asynchronously a clutch of three eggs
requires 38 days of incubation. The chicks are
cared for by both parents. The female broods
them for the first 1 4 days while the male brings
food to the nest which the female feeds to the
chicks. Later both parents bring items of food
which are placed in the nest to allow the chicks to
feed themselves. The nestlings begin climbing
onto branches around their nest from 45 days but
they rarely fledge before 48-50 days and
sometimes not until they are 60-70 days of age.
The young spend a further 1 5-20 days in the
neighbourhood of the nest being fed by their
parents. Only a single brood is raised each year
but if the eggs are lost the female will relay.[1 5]
The maximum age recorded is 25 years and 8
months for a ringed bird in Germany.[20] The
longevity record for Britain and Ireland is 23
years and 1 0 months for a bird found dead in
Wales in 201 2.[21 ]
The red kite's diet consists mainly of small
mammals such as mice, voles, shrews, young
hares and rabbits. It feeds on a wide variety of
carrion including sheep carcasses and dead
game birds. Live birds are also taken and
occasionally
reptiles
and
amphibians.
Earthworms form an important part of the diet,
especially in spring.[22] In some parts of the
United Kingdom, red kites are also deliberately
fed in domestic gardens, explaining the presence
of red kites in urban areas.[23] Here, up to 5% of
householders have provided supplementary food
for red kites, with chicken the predominant meat
provided.[23][24]
As scavengers, red kites are particularly
susceptible to poisoning. Illegal poison baits set
for foxes or crows are indiscriminate and kill
protected birds and other animals.[25] There
have also been a number of incidents of red kites
and other raptors being targeted by wildlife
criminals.[26][27]
In the United Kingdom, there have been several
unusual instances of red kites stealing food from
people in a similar... [it continues on Wikipedia]