When viewed at distance red kitescan usually be distinguished from buzzardsby their pattern of flight, a buzzard will often put in a succession of 3 short flaps as if thinking itself in danger of falling from the sky, while red kites will more often glide for long distances and even when action becomes inevitable the deep wing beat can look quite lethargic!

The red kites wings turn back at the end while those of a buzzard are held slightly forward and are shorter.
The tail of a kite will also look longer in flight.

The fork of a kites tail is not that pronounced at all times as the tail is often broadened to facilitate the rudder like movements the allow the bird so much agility in the air. The fork is most often seen when the kite is flying in a relaxed manner and in a straight line.