The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a bird of prey of the harrier family. It breeds throughout the northern parts of the Northern hemisphere in Canada and the northernmost USA, and northern Eurasia. In North America it is known as the Northern Harrier or Marsh Hawk.

Except in the mildest regions such as France and Great Britain, it migrates to more southerly areas in winter. Hen Harriers will roost communally in winter, often with Merlins.

This medium-sized raptor breeds on moorland, bogs and (in Europe) farmland. In winter it is a bird of open country.

This is a typical harrier, with long wings held in a shallow V in its low flight. It also resembles other harriers in having distinct male and female plumages.

The male is grey above and white below, with black wingtips. The female is brown above with white upper tail coverts, hence females and the similar juveniles are often called “ringtails”. Her underparts are buff streaked with brown.

Hen harriers hunt small mammals and birds, surprising them as they drift low over fields and moors.

The nest of this species is on the ground. Four to six whitish eggs are laid.

This conspicuous raptor attracts intense illegal persecution from gamekeepers on hunting estates, particularly those managed for Red Grouse shooting. Because of this they are now very rare in the UK.

References

• Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

External links

• Marsh Hawk by John Audubon
• A to Z of UK Birds
• RSPB Hen Harrier Conservation Action in the UK

Harriers | Birds of Puerto Rico

Полски блатар | Moták pilich | Boda Tinwyn | Kornweihe | Busard Saint-Martin | Blua cirkuo | Javinė lingė | Blauwe kiekendief | Myrhauk | Błotniak zbożowy | Tartaranhão-azulado | Kaňa sivá | Pepelasti lunj | Sinisuohaukka | Blå kärrhök