Pallid Harrier
NamePallid Harrier
Common NamePallid Harrier
Scientific NameCircus macrourus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)112.5
Length (cm)44
Weight (g)360
Plumage DetailsAdult males are very pale grey on the upperparts, head, and breast, with pure white underparts. The most distinctive feature is the black wedge on the outer primary tips, lacking the black bar on the secondaries seen in similar harriers. Females and juveniles are browner above with streaked underparts and a prominent white rump.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent outside the breeding season. During breeding, calls include a rapid 'kek-kek-kek' or 'chi-chi-chi' alarm call, and a softer 'pee-eh' contact call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, desert
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeBreeds from Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Russia) across Central Asia to Mongolia. It is a migratory species, wintering in Africa (especially sub-Saharan), the Middle East, and India.
Identifying FeaturesAdult male's very pale grey plumage with white underparts, Distinct black wedge on primary tips (lacks black bar on secondaries), Long wings and tail, Buoyant, low-level flight with wings held in a shallow V-shape, Yellow eyes
Description
The Pallid Harrier is a medium-sized raptor known for its graceful, buoyant flight over open country. Males are strikingly pale grey and white, while females and juveniles are browner. They typically hunt by flying low over vegetation, scanning for prey.
