Red kites take to skies two centuries later

RED kites, which have a wingspan of one and three quarter metres, are being reintroduced to the Irish countryside after an absence of 200 years.

These birds of prey, which resemble vultures in flight, are scavengers which steal from other birds and other kites for their food. They also feed on earthworms, insects and small mammals.

They became extinct in Ireland in the eighteenth century due to persecution, poisoning and woodland clearance.