Red Kite vs Buzzard

The Red Kite is a striking bird of prey with reddish-brown feathers, a pale grey head, and a deeply forked tail that twists as it flies. Its underwings have noticeable pale patches near the tips. The wingspan can reach up to 175 centimetres, giving it a graceful and light flight as it soars and glides with its wings held in a shallow V shape. The species was once hunted almost to extinction in Britain, but successful reintroduction efforts have helped populations to recover across much of England, Wales, and Scotland. The Red Kite is also found widely across mainland Europe and parts of North Africa. Red Kites prefer open countryside with scattered trees and are often seen flying over valleys and farmland. They eat a variety of food, including dead animals, small mammals, and earthworms. They often gather at feeding stations when food is provided. Their mewing calls are most commonly heard during the breeding season.

The Buzzard is a medium-sized bird of prey and the most common one in Britain. It is often seen flying over farmland and the edges of woodlands. Adult Buzzards have wide, rounded wings and a short, fan-shaped tail. Their feathers can range from dark brown to pale cream, usually with a light-coloured chest marked with darker streaks. You often hear their distinctive mewing call before you see them in the sky. The Buzzard is found across Europe and Asia and lives in most parts of the UK throughout the year. Its numbers have greatly increased after a time when it was heavily hunted. It prefers areas where woodlands mix with open land. You can often spot it sitting openly on fence posts or telegraph poles while it looks for small animals to eat, especially rabbits and voles. It will also eat dead animals and earthworms when they are available.