More than 3,000 breeding pairs of red kites now soar above the skies of Switzerland, a remarkable recovery for a species that was on the brink of extinction in the 1950s. The resurgence has prompted a large-scale research effort led by Valentijn van Bergen of the Swiss Ornithological Institute, aiming to understand the factors driving this unexpected population boom.
Van Bergen’s team initiated the study in 2015, undertaking what he describes as “one of the largest roofvogelonderzoeken [raptor research projects] in the world.” The research, focused on the cantons of Bern and Fribourg, involved tagging 584 individual birds with GPS transmitters to track their movements and behavior. Nest cameras were also deployed to observe nesting habits and the fledging process.
The study revealed a pattern of young red kites returning to areas within a 50-kilometer radius of their birthplaces. Yet, securing a territory of their own proves challenging for these younger birds. Established red kites fiercely defend their territories, often forcing newcomers to wait seven to eight years before establishing their own breeding grounds, according to Van Bergen.
Beyond natural foraging, red kites in Switzerland have adapted to utilize human-provided food sources. The birds are frequently fed by people and scavenge for food on compost heaps. One anecdote illustrates this adaptation: a homeowner reported a red kite attempting to fly off with a block of cheese that had been briefly left outside during a move.
The red kite is a protected species in the Netherlands, as are all native bird species under the European Bird Directive, according to Vogelbescherming Nederland. The species is described by Natuurpunt as an elegant raptor, recognizable by its distinctive red coloration and graceful flight.
