UK Red Kite Reintroductions

In 1989, a decision was taken by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to reintroduce kites to various parts of the UK.  Between 1989 and 2004 the RSPB, English Nature and a variety of other partners have been working on a programme to re-introduce red kites to a number of sites across Britain.

Northern Kites is the seventh red kite reintroduction project in England and Scotland.  In 2002, northeast England was identified as the 'final' area for reintroduction in England - forming a link between Yorkshire and Scottish populations.

The red kite UK population is now growing and in 2006 was approximately 2,000 birds.

Wing tags are used in all the red kite release areas in the UK.  The left wing tag colour refers to the release area while the right wing tag colour refers to the year of release.  Kites are exploring areas around the UK, therefore if a kite is sighted it is possible it could be from any area and can be identified by the following wing tag combinations:

Area Scheme Code

Wing tags also have unique numbers or letters.  Some kites may have no wing tags indicating they are 'wild birds' and could be from any area.

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