Red Kites are the nearest birds to vultures in these islands with a wingspan of up to one and three quarter metres, resembling the frigate birds of the tropics. There has been some dispute about the kite's existence in Ireland but the birds were once widespread in England before they were driven to the brink of extinction. Kites are pirates, stealing from other birds and indeed other kites of their food. A scavenger, Kites were frequently poisoned slowly losing its numbers. However, attitudes are changing and there is now a chance that some day the species will return to its former glory.