Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Accipitridae
About
The hen harrier is a bird of prey. It breeds in open areas such as marshes and grasslands in Eurasia and is migratory, moving further south outside of the breeding season. Birds in milder regions, such as France and Great Britain, may be resident year-round, but the higher altitudes are largely deserted in winter. The species is sexually dimorphic; males are smaller and mostly grey and white with black wingtips, whereas females average larger and are predominantly brown and have buff underparts with brown barring. Both sexes have a white rump patch, although it is more noticeable on females and juveniles.
Fun Fact
Male hen harriers are polygynous and perform a spectacular 'skydancing' display — a rollercoaster of loops and dives — to attract multiple females to nest in their moorland territory.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Moorlands and marshes
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
7-12 years
Threats
- Climate Change
- Disease