The red kite population in Switzerland has rebounded dramatically, with over 3,000 breeding pairs now recorded after nearly disappearing in the 1950s, according to research conducted by the Swiss Ornithological Institute. The resurgence has prompted a large-scale study to understand the factors driving this unusual increase.
The research, launched in 2015, is considered one of the largest raptor studies globally. Researchers aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the red kite’s behavior. “This was one of the greatest raptor research projects in the world,” stated a researcher involved in the study. The project involved tagging 584 birds in the cantons of Bern and Fribourg to track their movements, and deploying nest cameras to observe nesting habits and fledgling behavior.
Competition for Territory
The study revealed that young red kites often return to their birthplaces and remain within a 50-kilometer radius. However, securing a territory proves challenging. “Given that older birds fiercely defend their territories, younger birds sometimes have to wait seven to eight years before establishing their own,” researchers found. This competitive dynamic highlights the challenges faced by younger generations in establishing themselves within the species.
Unexpected Food Sources
Human food waste is also playing a role in the red kite’s recovery, serving as a significant food source. In Switzerland, the birds are frequently fed by people or scavenge for food on compost heaps. One researcher recounted an incident where a red kite attempted to make off with a block of cheese left outside during a move, demonstrating their opportunistic feeding habits. “During my move, we had left food outside, and a red kite tried to snatch a block of cheese. They apparently enjoy cheese as well.”
