Hen Harrier Bird Details
Circus cyaneus
Hen Harrier,Northern Harrier, Ring-tail;
Hen Harrier
Carl Linnaeus, 1766
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Circus
The Hen Harrier is found across much of the Northern Hemisphere:
- Europe: United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, Scandinavia, and parts of Eastern Europe.
- Asia: Russia, India, China, Mongolia, and the Middle East.
- North America: Canada and the United States, especially in the northern and central states. During winter, they migrate to regions such as North Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and southern parts of the United States.
Appearance :
Adult males are a pale gray-blue color, with black wingtips and a white rump. They are smaller than females. Females are larger, brown with streaks, and have a distinct white rump. Juveniles resemble females but are more uniformly brown.
Behaviour :
Hen Harriers are known for their low, gliding flight over open fields, hunting small mammals, birds, and insects. They are solitary birds, though they form loose nesting colonies. Males sometimes mate with multiple females, providing food for all.
Habitat :
Hen Harriers favor open habitats like grasslands, heathlands, marshes, moorlands, and agricultural fields. They nest on the ground, typically in tall vegetation.
Diet :
They primarily feed on small mammals like voles and mice, birds, amphibians, and insects.
Conservation Status :
Least Concern
Distribution :
They breed across northern and central Europe, Asia, and North America. In Europe and Asia, they are found from the British Isles and Scandinavia through Russia and Mongolia. In North America, they breed across Canada and the northern United States. During winter, they migrate to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Population Size :
Estimates suggest there are around 1.3 to 2 million individuals globally
Life Span :
The average lifespan of a Hen Harrier in the wild is about 7-10 years, although some individuals have been known to live up to 16 years.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Hen Harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey with a slim, long body. Males are typically smaller and more slender than females, which are more robust.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (the part of the leg below the knee joint) is around 5-6 cm in length.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small and round, with a pronounced facial disk, much like an owl, which helps in detecting sound while hunting. The face has a pale ring around the eyes, and males have a bluish-gray head, while females and juveniles have brown, streaked heads.
- Bill: The bill is relatively short, hooked, and sharp, adapted for tearing prey.
- Bill Length: The bill length is around 1.5-2 cm. The bill is black.
Length :
The overall length of the Hen Harrier ranges from 41 to 52 cm.
Neck :
The neck is relatively short, blending smoothly into the body, giving the bird a streamlined appearance.
Size :
Hen Harriers are medium-sized raptors. Males weigh less than females and are smaller in size overall.
Tail Details :
- Tail: The Hen Harrier has a long, narrow tail.
- Tail Length: The tail length ranges from 18 to 26 cm.
- Males Feathers: Pale blue-gray with black wing tips and a distinctive white rump.
- Females Feathers: Brown, with darker streaking and a white rump.
- Juveniles Feathers: Juveniles often have an overall warm, tawny-brown color.
Weight :
Males: 290-400 grams and Females: 390-750 grams.
Wing :
Hen Harriers have long, broad wings with rounded tips, designed for soaring and gliding at low altitudes.
Wing Span :
The wingspan ranges from 97 to 122 cm, with females generally having a broader wingspan than males.
Facial Feature :
Hen Harriers have a distinctive facial disk, similar to owls, which helps them detect sound and improve their ability to locate prey. This disk gives them a unique, flat-faced appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Hen Harrier builds a ground nest, often located in tall grasses, heather, or reeds to provide cover. The nest is a simple, shallow depression lined with plant materials.
- Nest Made up of: The nest is constructed from plant materials such as grass, heather, reeds, and twigs. These materials are collected from the surrounding habitat and shaped into a rough platform.
Breeding Season :
The Hen Harrier's breeding season typically starts in April and lasts until July.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the breeding period, occurring between April and July.
Egg Color :
Hen Harrier eggs are typically white or pale bluish-white in color. The eggs are often unmarked, though occasionally, they may have light speckles.
Egg Length :
The eggs measure around 43-52 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Egg width is approximately 33-38 mm.
- Egg Weight: The average weight of a Hen Harrier egg is about 26-35 grams.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size is usually 3 to 6 eggs, but it can range from 2 to 7 eggs depending on food availability and environmental factors.
No. of Broods :
Hen Harriers typically raise one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts around 29 to 32 days.
Nestling Period :
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for about 35-40 days.
Vocalization :
Hen Harriers are relatively quiet birds outside of the breeding season. However, during courtship, they may emit sharp "chattering" calls. Females give "cheeping" or "whistling" sounds to communicate with their mate or chicks.
Sex Demorphism :
The size difference between the sexes is notable, with females being larger.
Migration Details :
Hen Harriers are migratory birds in most parts of their range:
- Europe: Birds from northern and central Europe migrate south to southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East for the winter.
- Asia: Birds from Russia and northern Asia migrate to southern China, India, and the Middle East during winter.
- North America: Northern Harriers (the North American counterpart of the Hen Harrier) migrate from Canada and the northern United States to southern United States, Mexico, and Central America during winter. Migration typically occurs between September and November for the southward journey, with a return northward from March to May.
