Kites belong to the family Accipitridae along with other birds of prey such as buzzards and harriers and typically refer to species that fall under the Milvinae subfamily. Depending on where you are, it might also include some species from other subfamilies such as the Elaninae and Perninae.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Often seen gliding on thermals and recognisable by their forked tails, black kites are believed to be the most common bird of prey in the world, meaning they are classified as Least Concern.
They source food in a variety of ways, from catching rodents and fish to scavenging carrion and even rubbish dumps. Perhaps the most interesting method is the possibility that they intentionally spread fires to flush out prey.
Typically they nest in tall trees or on steep cliffs, and studies suggest their nests may be decorated as a signal to other raptors.
Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
Much like black kites, red kites are recognisable by their forked tail and are often seen circling overhead, but they are far less numerous. In recent decades, however, there have been a variety of successful conservation efforts to restore their numbers and reintroduce them to areas they once inhabited. They now have a conservation status of Least Concern as a result.
They typically nest in trees and sometimes return to the same nest the following year, and while they are known to line it with grass or sheep’s wool, they aren’t thought to use any other kind of decoration.
Red kites are also known to scavenge and hunt small prey, and although there are no reports of them spreading fires to flush them out of hiding, in 2018 there were instances of stealing sandwiches from children in England.