Milvus milvus milvus
Rare and Endangered Animals of Armenia
The Red Kite
File:200px-Redkite.jpg The Red Kite (Milvus milvus) is a medium-large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers.
It is a European species which is resident in the milder parts of its range, but birds from northern and central Europe winter further south and west.
In the Middle Ages, Red Kites were much more widespread, their scavenging habits making them the refuse collectors of the day, but their numbers have much decreased through illegal persecution and poisoning. They will take small live prey as well as carrion, and will rob other birds.
In the United Kingdom, the breeding population eventually became restricted to Wales, but recently the Welsh population has been supplemented by re-introductions in England and Scotland. The reintroductions in The Chilterns have been a particular success, with a now well-established strong population. The kites are a common sight above the houses of the Buckinghamshire village of Stokenchurch and its surrounding area.
The Red Kite is 61–72 cm long with a 140–165 cm wingspan. It is an elegant bird, soaring with long wings held at a dihedral, and long forked tail twisting as it changes direction.
The body, upper tail and wing coverts are rufous. The white primary flight feathers contrast with the black wing tips and dark secondaries. Sexes are similar, but juveniles have a buff breast and belly. The call is a thin piping, similar to but less mewling than Common Buzzard.
This species nests in trees, often close to other kites. In winter, many kites will roost together.
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Animal in Armenia
Սովորական կարմիր ցին (“Sovorakan karmir tsin”)
Status
Disappearing species. Included in the Red Book of the former Soviet Union.
Habitat in Armenia
Registered in the north-eastern part of Armenia and the forests of Karabakh.
Number in the wild
The overall number in Armenia is not available.
Reasons for decrease in number
Was always rare in Armenia.
Number in captivity
No data.
Measures of protection taken
Hunting is forbidden in the territory of Armenia. Included in the Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.