Red kites were successfully reintroduced to England, Scotland, and Ireland after extinction and have recovered to over 4,000 pairs, but welfare threats including persecution, lead poisoning, and deliberate poisoning continue.
Key Facts
Red kites became extinct in England and Scotland by the early 20th century due to persecution
Reintroduction from Wales and continental Europe began in 1989-1994
The UK population has recovered to over 4,000 pairs and is expanding
Lead poisoning from ingesting shot game is a significant welfare and mortality cause
Illegal poisoning at bait stations persists in some areas, targeting foxes and corvids but killing kites
Red kites are scavengers and easily attracted to deliberately poisoned bait
Welfare Considerations
Red kite welfare success illustrates both what conservation can achieve and the ongoing threats that prevent full recovery. Reintroduction has been one of the UK's great conservation achievements, but individual birds continue to face welfare harms. Lead poisoning from ingesting fragments in shot game carcasses causes neurological damage, loss of coordination, and slow death. Deliberate poisoning at bait stations - illegal but persistent - kills kites attracted to poisoned prey. Road collisions and electrocution on power lines cause additional mortality. The welfare of each individual kite matters given the relatively recent recovery; every poisoning incident represents a welfare tragedy and a setback for species resilience.
What You Can Do
Support the RSPB's work documenting raptor persecution and advocating for stronger enforcement
Donate to Red Kite monitoring programmes tracking population health
Advocate for a lead ammunition ban in game shooting to prevent lead poisoning
Report suspected deliberate poisoning of raptors to the RSPCA and police immediately
Drive carefully in red kite strongholds including the Chilterns and Galloway
Learn to identify red kites to appreciate their remarkable recovery story