Red kites and common buzzards are both medium-sized birds of prey found widely across the UK. However, there is often confusion over which species is larger. In this article, we will compare the sizes of red kites and buzzards to determine which is the bigger bird.
Wingspan
One of the most obvious ways to compare the sizes of birds is to look at their wingspans. The wingspan is the distance between the tip of one wing to the tip of the other wing.
Red kites have a larger wingspan than buzzards. An adult red kite has a wingspan of around 1.5-1.8 meters (4.9-5.9 feet). Buzzards generally have a smaller wingspan of between 1.1-1.4 meters (3.6-4.6 feet).
So in terms of sheer wingspan, the red kite is clearly the larger bird. The broad, forked tail and long wings make the red kite appear very striking in flight. Buzzards have more rounded, shorter wings in comparison.
Body Size
As well as wingspan, the overall body size is another way to judge which species is larger.
An adult red kite will measure around 60-66 cm (24-26 inches) in length. Their bodies are slim and lightweight to aid them in flight. Male kites are generally towards the upper end of the size range.
Adult common buzzards are usually between 48-57 cm (19-22 inches) long. As with wingspan, males are larger than females.
By comparing the typical body lengths, it is clear the red kiteaverages a larger bodysize than the common buzzard. The kite’s size contributes to its ability to tackle larger prey items than the buzzard.
Weight
The weight of the two species also demonstrates the size difference.
Male red kites weigh approximately 1,000-1,300 g. Females are slightly smaller at around 900-1,200 g.
Common buzzards are noticeably lighter. Males weigh 600-1,050 g while females are in the range of 950-1,300 g.
So the weight ranges highlight again that red kites tend to be substantially heavier in mass than common buzzards. Their lightweight design allows buzzards to be agile and maneuverable hunters.
Average Weight Comparison
Species | Average Weight |
Red kite | 1,100 g |
Common buzzard | 800 g |
This table summarizes the average weight differences, showing red kites typically weigh around 300 g more than the common buzzard. This size advantage allows them to tackle larger prey.
Swan Size Comparison
To illustrate the size difference, if a common buzzard was the size of a mute swan (wingspan around 2 m), then a red kite would be closer to the size of a whooper swan (wingspan around 2.4 m).
So while buzzards are certainly not small birds, red kites are noticeably chunkier with broader wingspans on average.
Male vs Female Size Differences
There is some degree of sexual dimorphism in both species, meaning that males and females differ slightly in size.
This size difference is more pronounced in buzzards. Males have wingspans around 13% longer than females. Male buzzards average 100-150g heavier in weight.
In red kites, the size dimorphism is less significant. Male kites are around 6% longer in wingspan than females and weigh up to 100g more.
So males of both species run larger than females, but the degree of difference is greater in common buzzards.
Geographic Variation
There are different subspecies and geographic varieties of both red kites and common buzzards which vary slightly in size.
For red kites, the nominate race Milvus milvus milvus which occurs across much of Europe is the largest. The southern Spanish population Milvus milvus fasciicauda averages slightly smaller in size.
For common buzzards, the Buteo buteo buteo race is the largest and found across much of Europe. The smaller race Buteo buteo vulpinus occupies more eastern regions.
However, in all cases the red kite remains the larger of the two species, even when comparing smallest vs largest geographic varieties.
Size and Hunting
The larger size of red kites allows them to tackle a wider range of prey items than the smaller buzzard.
Buzzards mainly hunt small mammals like rabbits, rats and voles. They will also take birds, insects and worms. Their relatively compact size equips them for hunting in woodland and taking nimble, evasive prey.
The chunky red kite can overwhelm larger prey like hares, young rabbits and ducks. Their large wingspan also aids them when scavenging, allowing them to monopolize carrion.
However, the buzzard’s smaller more agile flight makes it a more adept hunter of aerial prey like birds and bats. The kite’s bulkier profile reduces maneuverability and limits them to mainly ground-based prey.
So each species’ size adaptations suit them to their particular hunting ecologies and preferred prey items.
Confusion Between Species
Given the overlap in coloration, confusion between red kites and buzzards is reasonably common, especially at a distance or in flight.
However, with a closer view the size difference soon becomes apparent. The kite’s distinctly larger wingspan and body size helps separate it from the more compact common buzzard.
In direct comparison, experienced birdwatchers should be able to tell the two raptors apart with relative ease. Subtle differences in flight style also aid identification, with kites appearing more effortless and buoyant compared to the buzzard’s wingbeats.
Conclusion
To conclude, red kites are clearly the larger of these two widespread British raptors. They exceed buzzards across key size measurements:
Red Kite vs Buzzard Size
Feature | Red Kite | Buzzard |
---|---|---|
Wingspan | 1.5-1.8 m | 1.1-1.4 m |
Body Length | 60-66 cm | 48-57 cm |
Weight | 900-1,300 g | 600-1,050 g |
This greater size allows red kites to exploit certain larger prey items and carrion that buzzards cannot handle. It comes at a trade-off of reduced maneuverability and agility in flight compared to the common buzzard.
So while both species are accomplished hunters, their differing sizes suit them to their particular ecological niches. By comparing key measurements, it is clear the red kite is the larger bird. But both remain impressive and graceful predators that enrich our skies.