Circus cyaneus
Length:
44cm to 52cm
Wingspan:
100cm to 120cm
Weight:
300g to 600g
The hen harrier earned its name from once targeting free-range fowl for their prey. This comes with the downside of being the most intensively persecuted bird of prey in the UK. This is because of the effect the hen harrier has on the grouse population, particularly limiting the number available to shoot. This is especially a problem on the driven grouse moors of Scotland and England.
Female hen harriers and juveniles are brown, with white rumps and long, barred tails. Males are more of a light grey colour.
Whilst in flight, these birds of prey hold their wings in a shallow 'V' shape and glide low whilst searching for prey - this is mainly voles and meadow pipits.
Their diets mainly consist of mammals and small birds.
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