UK’s oldest red kite discovered in Wales – and then put down

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The bird wasn’t able to fully extend its wings at carpal joints and was showing signs of bumblefoot along with other concerns, meaning sadly rehabilitation wasn’t an option.” The British Trust for Ornithology confirmed the bird had been ringed as a nestling on June 20 1997 and said it was the oldest red kite known to them. It’s brilliant when people take the time to report ringed birds, as it helps us to gain a greater understanding of bird populations across the UK Lee Barber, British Trust for Ornithology “I could not believe it as this bird was 26 years old – and was found in pretty much the same area they were ringed in all those years ago,” Ms West said.“It is very sad that the bird didn’t make it but at least they didn’t suffer a lingering death.“I’m sure they had a full life and it would be lovely to think that it may have reared several offspring over the years in the area too – although the sex is unknown.” Lee Barber, from the British Trust for Ornithology, added: “This red kite now holds the longevity record for the oldest known wild red kite in Britain and Ireland. “It’s brilliant when people take the time to report ringed birds, as it helps us to gain a greater understanding of bird populations across the UK. “Had this bird not been wearing a ring we would have no indication at all that it had become the oldest known of its species, as once red kites have moulted out of their immature plumage, they look pretty much identical irrespective of age.”