Hen Harrier

Circus cyaneus

Genus · Harriers Family · Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
FarmlandGrassland

In winter, look for them over coastal marshes. The white rump patch is the most reliable feature for identifying a 'Ringtail' from a distance.

Hen Harrier

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan97–122 cm
Weight290–750 g
Length41–52 cm
Lifespan wild6–15 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeScrape
Clutch size4–6 eggs
Incubation29–31 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourSolitary

Diet: Carnivore

🐸Amphibians
🦅Birds
🐭Mammals
🦎Reptiles

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🌿 Grassland🛶 Lake wetlands
✦ Fun Fact

Unlike most hawks, harriers have a slightly owl-like facial ruff made of feathers that helps guide sound toward their ears. This can improve their ability to detect small movements in grass, especially when light is low.

About

A graceful harrier of open moorlands, heaths, and coastal marshes. There is a striking difference in appearance between the sexes. In Europe, it is an upland bird in summer and moves to lowland marshes in winter. The population is in decline due to the loss of suitable nesting areas and the reduction of open, undisturbed landscapes.

Behaviour

It hunts by flying low over the ground. It uses keen eyesight and exceptional hearing to find voles hidden in the grass. In winter, they gather in communal roosts on the ground at night. The male's 'sky-dance' includes a series of vertical loops and rolls over the nesting territory.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

A stunning pale blue-grey overall with black wingtips. The underparts are pure white and the eyes are bright yellow.

♀ Female

Much larger than the male. It has brown upperparts with a prominent white rump patch (the 'white lantern'). The underparts are pale with heavy streaking.

Similar species

Montagu's Harrier
🐦
Montagu's Harrier
Circus pygargus
Western Marsh Harrier
🐦
Western Marsh Harrier
Circus aeruginosus
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