The Red Kite, Milvus milvus, was formerly a common sight flying over much of the British countryside and even in some towns and cities. For a long time it was welcomed by city-dwellers, as its habitat of scavenging street refuse was seen as a useful way of reducing the threat to humans from various undesirable diseases. In the countryside it was less welcomed, as it was considered, along with many other birds of prey, a threat to livestock and game.
