A new study from the Swiss Ornithological Institute shows how dramatically red kites adapted their behaviour during the Covid lockdowns.
Researchers found that, before the pandemic, the birds often gathered near roads to feed on roadkill when natural food was scarce. But with traffic reduced, they shifted towards areas where people fed them directly.
Using GPS “backpacks” on nearly 200 young kites, scientists tracked how the birds resumed their roadside habits once lockdowns ended - while still visiting human feeders.
Researchers say it’s a striking example of the species’ flexibility, and a key reason red kites continue to thrive in Switzerland.
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