Hen Harrier
NameHen Harrier
Common NameHen Harrier
Scientific NameCircus cyaneus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)109.5
Length (cm)49
Weight (g)500
Plumage DetailsAdult males have pale grey upperparts, white underparts, and black wingtips. Adult females and juveniles are brown above with a prominent white rump, and streaked buffy-brown underparts. Both sexes have long wings and a long tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid 'kek-kek-kek' alarm call, often given when disturbed near the nest, and a 'chew-wick' display call during courtship flights.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across northern Eurasia and North America (where it is known as the Northern Harrier). Winters further south in temperate and subtropical regions.
Identifying Featureslong wings and tail, buoyant, low flight, owl-like facial disc, male: pale grey and white with black wingtips, female/juvenile: brown with streaked underparts and white rump
Description
The Hen Harrier is a medium-sized raptor known for its distinctive buoyant, low-level flight over open country. Males are strikingly pale grey and white, while females and juveniles are brown with streaked underparts and a prominent white rump. They hunt by quartering over fields and marshes, using their keen hearing and vision.
