Hen Harrier
Least ConcernCircus cyaneus
Visual Identification
Hen Harrier
Appearance
The Hen Harrier is a slender, medium-sized raptor with long wings and tail. Males are predominantly pale grey with black wingtips, while females are larger and brown with white rump patches.
Juveniles resemble females but have warmer and richer, red-brown plumage. All ages display a distinctive owl-like facial disc, contributing to their exceptional hearing abilities. Eyes and legs are yellow in both sexes.
Size
Length
41cm to 52cm
Wingspan
97cm to 122cm
Weight
300g to 750g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Hen Harriers inhabit open areas, including moorland, grassland, farmland, and coastal marshes. They are found across northern Europe, Asia, and North America, with significant populations in Scotland, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
In winter, many birds move to lowland areas and coastal regions. In the UK, they are year-round residents, with some birds migrating from northern Europe joining the population in winter.
Some of the best places to see Hen Harriers in the UK are up north in Orkney and the Isle of Arran, although birdwatchers can see these graceful raptors on the Isle of Man and the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Hen Harriers primarily hunt small mammals, especially voles and ground-nesting birds. They use their keen hearing to locate prey, often hovering briefly before dropping onto their quarry. Their diet may include reptiles, amphibians, and insects when available.
Common birds preyed on include Dunnocks, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Greenfinches and Grouse chicks.
Behaviour
Hen Harriers are known for their low, graceful flight as they quarter over open ground in search of prey. They often fly with their wings held in a shallow V-shape.
During the breeding season, males perform spectacular 'sky-dancing' displays involving steep climbs and tumbling dives to attract mates.
Vocalisation
Hen Harriers are generally quiet outside the breeding season. During courtship and nesting, they become more vocal. Males produce a rapid 'chek-chek-chek' call during display flights. Females give a whining 'pee-ep' when soliciting food from males. Alarm calls are sharp, repeated 'kek-kek-kek' sounds.
Nesting & Breeding
Hen Harriers typically form monogamous pairs each breeding season. Males attract females with impressive aerial displays, beginning in late March to early April.
Nests are built on the ground in dense vegetation, usually by the female. They lay 4-6 pale blue eggs, which may become stained during incubation. The nest is a simple scrape lined with grasses and other vegetation.
Incubation lasts about 30 days, primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Chicks fledge after 28-42 days but remain dependent on parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
years
The Hen Harrier typically lives for 7 to 12 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Hen Harriers face significant conservation challenges, particularly in the UK, where illegal persecution on grouse moors has severely impacted populations. Habitat loss and degradation also threaten the species. Conservation efforts focus on protecting breeding sites and working with landowners to reduce conflicts.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive low, quartering flight over open habitats
- Listen for their 'kek-kek-kek' call during breeding season
- Observe early morning or late afternoon when they're most active
- In the UK, visit moorlands or coastal marshes for the best viewing opportunities
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Family:
AccipitridaePredators
Adult Hen Harriers have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to foxes, badgers, and other ground predators. Golden Eagles may occasionally prey on adults.
Did You Know?
- Hen Harriers have asymmetrical ears, helping them pinpoint prey by sound.
- Males can be bigamous, sometimes mating with two females in good prey years.
- Their scientific name, Circus cyaneus, refers to their circling flight and the male's blue-grey colour.
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References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Circus cyaneus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22727733A200497981.
View source - 3
report, 2020: Fernandez-Bellon et al.