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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]