Brown kite

The Brown Kite is a medium-sized raptor, with a body length ranging from 55 to 65 cm and a wingspan of up to 140-150 cm. Its body weight is between 600 and 1,000 grams. This bird can live up to 20 years, but its lifespan depends greatly on environmental conditions and the safety of its habitat.
One of the distinguishing features of the brown kite is its forked tail, which, while not as pronounced as that of the red kite, is still used as a "rudder" during flight. Its plumage is generally dark in color, with black wing tips, making it easily recognizable in flight.
The brown kite is migratory, present in Europe from March to October, and prefers open environments such as fields, grasslands and agricultural areas, but with the presence of trees near bodies of water. During winter, it migrates to sub-Saharan Africa, where it can also be found in towns and cities, often taking advantage of urban environments. In Europe, brown kite populations are estimated at around 88,000 pairs, with about 4,000 pairs in Germany.
In some regions, such as the Alps, the brown kite frequents areas near bodies of water and depressions, where it can hunt and nest in peace. Its diet is varied and includes small mammals, birds, fish and carcasses, which it captures deftly with its agile and acrobatic flight.