The Scottish red kite population is now at its highest level for 200 years following one of the best ever breeding seasons this year, and an ongoing reintroduction project around Aberdeen.  The Scottish population now stands at 122 breeding pairs, with the UK population as a whole growing to an estimated 1200 breeding pairs.

Red kites were once common all over the British Isles, before widespread killing of the birds in Victorian times led to only a few pairs surviving in mid-Wales.  In 1989, the UK reintroduction project began in the South of England and the North of Scotland, and the fruits of this project are now paying off.

The healthy growth of the UK red kite population since reintroduction began in the late 1980's is increasing the UK's importance for the species globally, with 1200 pairs representing around 5% of the world population.

Red kites are almost entirely confined to Europe, and the species is faring badly in many other countries, with population declines recorded in the main breeding areas of Germany, France and Spain.  Land use changes, illegal poisoning, and rodenticide poisoning have been affecting populations, with the species now classified as “near threatened” by the World Conservation Union due to their population declines in Europe.

 In Scotland, highlights of the 2008 season have been:

In north Scotland there were 46 breeding pairs of red kites, which fledged 82 young. This is the first real population increase since 2001 and is a heartening development.

In central Scotland, 45 breeding pairs fledged 75 young. This is a substantial increase of 11 breeding pairs on last year’s total, with particular population increases in west Perthshire.

In Dumfries and Galloway, 30 breeding pairs fledged 53 young, and this was an increase from 21 pairs with 38 young in 2007. A kite from the 'indigenous' Welsh red kite population was involved in one of these pairs - the first confirmed occurence of a Welsh red kite breeding in Scotland, and a sign that the UK population is mixing and recovering strongly.

The first breeding attempt by a pair of red kites on the edge of Aberdeen City.  These birds were only a year old, having been released in the area last year in the first of a three year reintroduction project.  Red kites usually don't breed until they are 2-3 years old, and unfortunately the eggs didn't survive due to the immaturity and inexperience of the birds.  However, this represents the first time red kites have bred in this area for 150 years or more.  In 2008, the second year of the Aberdeen reintroduction, a further 35 birds were released.

Interestingly, a bird initially released in Galloway in 1991, and which bred for 2-3 years in Central Scotland, has now returned to breed successfully in Galloway in 2008.  This is the first time that such a return movement of an established breeding bird to breed in its release area has been recorded.

Duncan Orr-Ewing, Head of Species and Land Management at RSPB Scotland said:
“The red kite reintroduction is a real Scottish success story and a credit to the very many landowners, foresters and farmers who work with us and enjoy having the red kite around as part of their daily lives.  Looking ahead, we hope that the red kite will recover most of its former range and become a familiar sight once again in towns and villages as well as the countryside all over Scotland.” 
 
Andy Douse, Senior Ornithologist with Scottish Natural Heritage said:
"It's terrific that this has been such a good year for red kites, especially given the concerns over how slowly it has been growing in previous years.   The increases in the North of Scotland are particularly welcome given that this was one of the first locations for red kite releases.  SNH is grateful for all the help and support from land managers and the public keen to see this fantastic bird a common site across Scotland once again."