Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneus
The Hen Harrier is a rare and elusive breeding bird in Britain, typically seen in open, wetland areas such as marshes and grasslands, with males and females present in the country during the breeding season, although numbers are generally low. In Britain, they are most commonly spotted in the summer months, with some individuals remaining in the country year-round, particularly in milder regions.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Hen Harrier in the field.
The Hen Harrier can be identified at a glance by its white rump patch, long wings, and distinctive flight style, with males and females also exhibiting different colouration and markings. The white rump patch is a key feature, particularly noticeable on females and juveniles.
The Hen Harrier is slightly larger than a Blue Tit, but smaller than a Crow, with a slender build and long wings.
The male Hen Harrier has a grey and white plumage with black wingtips, giving it a distinctive and striking appearance, with a pale underside and a grey back.
The female Hen Harrier has a predominantly brown plumage with buff underparts and brown barring, making it distinguishable from the male, with a more mottled and camouflaged appearance.
The Hen Harrier's call is a sharp, high-pitched "kek" or "kyek" sound, often repeated in a series of short, sharp notes.
Hen Harriers are skilled hunters, using their speed and agility to catch small mammals, birds, and insects in mid-air, with a characteristic "sky-dancing" display during the breeding season, where males perform an aerial display of dives and swoops.
The Hen Harrier can be confused with other harrier species, such as the Montagu's Harrier, but can be distinguished by its white rump patch and distinctive plumage patterns, as well as its larger size and more robust build compared to the Montagu's Harrier.
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