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Good news: Red kites in Saxony are reaching record numbers!
The red kite population in Saxony is growing, with 61 breeding pairs and 62 young birds in 2025. Find out more about bird protection.
Good news: Red kites in Saxony are reaching record numbers!
Fortunately, the landscape in Saxony is increasingly showing the bright colors of the red kite. Currently, the population of these majestic birds of prey, which are among the largest native species, has increased in recent years. According to a report by the Saxon Bird Sanctuary in Neschwitz, the number of red kites has increased by an impressive 30 percent in the last ten years. In 2025, 61 breeding pairs were counted in the region, and fortunately two thirds of these pairs also have their own offspring.
The precise observation and counting takes place over an area of around 400 square kilometers, where the nests are regularly checked. Every spring the team sets out to check whether the nests are occupied and whether the young birds have fledged successfully. This year, a total of 62 young birds were ringed, which represents a slight decrease compared to previous years - but this is within the limits of the natural fluctuations that nature brings with it. This information was provided by the Saxon Bird Sanctuary Neschwitz Association, which has been meticulously following this development for over eleven years. [MDR].
A success story for the red kite
But what triggered this positive development? The red kite, with an exciting body size of up to 70 cm and an impressive wingspan of up to 165 cm, is particularly important for Germany. According to the State Association for Bird Protection, around 60 percent of the global population lives in Germany. This makes our responsibility for protecting this species enormous. After a decline of 30 percent over the last 20 years, the signs are now significantly better.
The reasons for the original decline are complex: intensive agriculture, disruptions during the breeding season and losses from power lines and wind turbines contributed to the population's dramatic decline. But it is becoming apparent that targeted protective measures are bearing fruit. The support association and other nature conservation organizations have helped to raise awareness of the need to preserve these beautiful birds with various projects and awareness campaigns.
With a climber who gently brings the young birds down in a special bag and brings them back to the nest after ringing, everything is done as part of the controls to ensure that these birds have a future in their natural environment. The increase in red kites in Saxony is not only positive news for bird lovers and conservationists, but also a sign that committed conservation measures can pay off.