Hen Harrier

Overview

Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a species of Kites, Hawks, Eagles (Accipitridae) in the order Hawks, Eagles and Allies. A slim long-winged harrier that quarters low over fields hunting small mammals; males pale gray with black wing tips, females brown; nests on the ground in moorland; a 'sky-dancing' display flier.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Circus; binomial: Circus cyaneus; authority: (Linnaeus, 1766). Typical size: 40-50cm. Average lifespan: 10-20 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic. Non-breeding range: s Asia and n Africa.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Change English name of Circus cyaneus to Hen Harrier with split of New World C. hudsonius (NACC 2017-A-8).