Rare bird of prey, the Red Kite is a regular visitor at Colchester Zoo

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Staff at Colchester Zoo have been excited to observe rare red kites in several areas of the park; with the indigenous birds even being viewed observing the falconry display which takes place at the zoo.

The zoo’s new regular, a male red kite was first spotted at the beginning of May and has been visiting the zoo at least three times a week since. A female was also seen capturing the attention of visitors on the 4th of May when she joined the zoo’s black kite bird display and could be seen very clearly soaring above the falconry area.

The presence of these birds of prey is of considerable importance to the progress of the red kite conservation programme and shows that red kites are populating areas throughout the country.


Anthony Tropeano Zoological Director said ‘It is still rare to spot a red kite in this area and this is almost certainly the first occurrence of this happening in the East of England. Our new nature area seems to be encouraging wildlife and already has buzzards and a kestrel nest. It would be amazing if the red kites stuck around and bred in the area.’


Since the late 1980’s the red kite has been part of a significant conservation effort which has included the direct introduction of the species to areas throughout the UK. The population of the red kite dramatically declined in the 17th and 18th century due to persecution, poisoning from pesticides and habitat loss. They are still considered to be a near threatened species.




EssexTouristGuide.com 18th May 2011

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