Is This A Kite

[megfitz]

Large brownish bird, forked tail, rings on underside of wings ,circling lazily around my and neighbours houses. I was told Red Kite and also that they don't go for live prey but eat carrion . Is this right? . thee are a few around I've seen 2 or3 together.

[emmie]

could be

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.redkites.co.uk/media/IMG_1711.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.redkites.co.uk/&h=210&w=240&;sz=1&tbnid=l-1BGgoPu5RmbM:&;tbnh=175&tbnw=200&zoom=1&usg=__IOZqmkNipzc0Ialh1dm95yjUCuU=&docid=BlKpFOZ51sSe-M&itg=1&sa=X&ei=lFOvUrbFCKb07Abq8oE4&ved=0CJcBEPwdMAs

[carrust]

Yup. Sounds like red kite to me. The only resident bird of prey in this country with a forked tail.

[Prudie]

Red kites are our only bird of prey with a forked tail so very well could be.

[gness]

The forked tail is the giveaway, Meg. They don't kill to eat....they're a tad lazy....only go for carrion....

You should be able to search on a local bird site for info....stunning birds..x

[emmie]

have a look at the link, seems to be the one you mention.

[carrust]

Black kite's have a forked tail but they're passage migrants.

[megfitz]

Yes that was it, beautiful bird. nice to see they are well and thriving. Thanks

[emmie]

it is beautiful isn't it.

[gingejbee]

Scrivens: unfortunately, that's just what you shouldn't do.

[RATTER15]

Sounds like a red kite to me, we have hundreds around us here, lovely birds.

[Prudie]

I see them in Menorca every year but don't get them much in Dorset. I was lucky enough to see 3 a month ago when I had to go to the Brecons.

[Sqad]

Los Milanos...a red Kite........also seen in Menorca.

They normally have two chicks and you can see the little ones flapping 100 to the dozen trying to keep up with mum and dad.

[Chipchopper]

Yes, the pronounced forked tail is a good key to its identification.
I would argue that it may also eat live food as well as the preferred carrion.
An awesome sight to see them soaring!

[Graham-W]

Harewood House in West Yorks. has a red kite release programme and I have seen dozens in that area.
They are now spreading from that area across Yorkshire and beyond.
There have been other releases in the Midlands and Scotland and breeding has taken place in all the above areas.
They really are beautiful birds and don't deserve the persecution they get.

[carrust]

They usually get persecuted by game keepers looking to kill other birds of prey by poisoning a carcase.

[Tilly2]

.....and subsequently, dogs, it seems.

[gness]

Meg...if you don't mind saying....in which county are you?

Scrivens...I have friends who feed kites as you do and there are Kite feeding stations where hundreds come for food.
I am unsure about this though I am sometimes tempted to feed the Kites over my garden.

I have heard that this discourages the spread of the bird because they are not having to compete for food and therefore don't go further afield.

Anyone know if this theory holds water?