Red Kites: Protected bird of prey dies after being shot

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said Vivienne was “easily recognisable and distinguishable from other Red Kites” because of her unusually pale plumage.

The charity explained her pale colouring was caused by a genetic mutation in the pigmentation of her feathers.

“The fact that this particular Red Kite was such a well-known character in the area, will cause a lot of upset to the local community,” said RSPB Investigations Officer Dean Jones.

Vivienne was native to the County Down area, having been hatched in 2018 from a nest in the Dromara Hills.

“She had been admired by birdwatchers, members of the local community and visitors and was a regularly seen in the Dromara area,” the RSPB said.

Vivienne was previously rescued by Red Kite volunteers in 2021 after she was found in a poor condition.

On that occasion she was successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild.

Mr Jones said her premature death three years after that rescue “really highlights the risk that birds of prey face on a day-to-day basis in Northern Ireland, all because some individuals choose to kill them”.