Hen Harrier (Circus cyanus)

Back To

How Big Is It ?

Aprox 43 - 51 cm, weighing 300 - 550 g

What does the Look Like ?

Smaller and more slender than Marsh Harrier. Male pale grey with white belly , female brown with banded tail and white rump, young like the female. in flight has broader wings than the related Mointagnus Harrier, glides and soars effortlessly in wings raised in a " V "

Where does it live?

Open countryside with meadows , fields, bogs and moorland

When does it Breed ?

May to July , 3- 6 eggs, Incubation 29 - 37 days , young fledging at 31 - 40 days, Nests on Ground

Where to see it


What does it eat?

Small mammals and birds up to Partridge size

What does it sound like?

" gye gye gye " alarm call " keckkeckkeck "

When to see it

Britain Jan- Dec

Similar Birds

Marsh Harrier