This is a very rare leucistic red kite, which is a genetic condition where it has less pigment and is appears either white or partially white. Red kites (Milvus milvus) are mainly carrion eaters (opportunistically small live mammals) but despite that were subject to severe persecution in the UK. Projects for protection from 1995 to 2023 (for example) have resulted in a drastic increase in their numbers in the UK. These are one of my favourite birds of prey due to their elegance and graceful flight. They are protected in the UK by Law. Globally they are of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List (2020) with an increasing population trend. Their preferred habitat is of grassland, forest and shrubland but will also visit human modified landscapes. Their large native range includes the Western Palaearctic. They are threatened by illegal poaching and poisoning.
Extremely rare #leucistic #red #kite in #flight. @alan678.bsky.social #BirdOfTheDay main theme is #WideOpenWings. #Wild. #Photography #photo #birds #bird #raptor #birdofprey 🪶 #Milvus #milvus Please see ALT text for more information.