The population of red kites in Switzerland has grown strongly in recent decades and now accounts for about 10% of the world’s population, according to research by the Swiss Ornithological Institute. That gives the Alpine country a “high international responsibility” to protect the bird.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/jc
Some 2,800 to 3,500 pairs now breed in Switzerland. But despite the population upswing, the bird is exposed to numerous dangers, says the instituteExternal link. These include collisions, electrocution on overhead power lines, poisoning and illegal shooting.
Since 2015 it has been conducting research to find out why this “elegant glider” feels so at home in Switzerland. The main reason seems to be the bird’s adaptability, both in food and migration habits.
Research found that the red kite is not a choosy eater. In addition to mice and worms, the bird also eats carrion and rubbish. Large groups of red kites also gather to eat injured or dead animals together. This is why the bird’s ecological function is “more reminiscent of a vulture than an agile hunter”, says the Swiss Ornithological Institute.
In the past, all Swiss red kites migrated to the Iberian peninsula in autumn to spend the winter there. But the older the birds get, the more likely they are to stay, and now about half of the Swiss red kites spend the winter in Switzerland. These birds gather in the evening at common roosts, which can number more than 100 individuals, the institute wrote.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
WWF Switzerland fights for Europe’s rare species
This content was published on
WWF Switzerland says the country is lagging behind its neighbours in its obligations to the international Bern Convention for the conservation of biodiversity. To prevent Switzerland becoming an “island of inactivity”, WWF has identified 108 sites it wants designated areas of special conservation interest. If approved by the authorities, these areas will form part of…
This content was published on
The meeting, the first of its kind, drew up the first steps towards an international agreement on protecting these migratory raptors – a move welcomed by Switzerland. The four-day International Conference on the Protection of Africa-Eurasian migratory raptors, with representation from 44 countries, ended at Loch Lomond on Thursday. Delegates discussed the best way to…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.