Many predatory species depend on small mammals as primary prey targets, up to 95% of the White-tailed Kite’s diet consist of rodents like the California Vole (Microtus californicus) . A single Kite may consume a few voles a day and catch a dozen or more, per day, to feed their chicks. One female vole can produce 10 litters per year (3 to 10 young per litter) and vole populations can rise to hundreds or thousands per acre during peak “irruption” years depending on food, weather and cover.
