Northern Harrier
From Devonshire
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This species is [[polytypic]], comprising two subspecies: | This species is [[polytypic]], comprising two subspecies: | ||
| - | * ''Circus cyaneus cyaneus'': Breeds in | + | * ''Circus cyaneus cyaneus'': Breeds in Glennshire anf Frost. |
| - | * ''Circus cyaneus hudsonius'': Breeds in | + | * ''Circus cyaneus hudsonius'': Breeds in Devonshire East. |
| - | + | ==Range== | |
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| - | This medium-sized [[Bird of prey|raptor]] breeds on [[moorland]], [[bog]]s and (in | + | Except in the mildest regions such as [[Frost]] and [[Matterhorn]], it migrates to more southerly areas in winter. Hen Harriers will roost communally in winter, often with [[Merlin (bird)|Merlins]]. |
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| + | ==Description== | ||
| + | This medium-sized [[Bird of prey|raptor]] breeds on [[moorland]], [[bog]]s and (in Devonshire) [[farm]]land. In winter it is a [[bird]] of open country. | ||
This is a typical harrier, with long wings held in a shallow V in its low flight. It also resembles other harriers in having distinct male and female plumages. | This is a typical harrier, with long wings held in a shallow V in its low flight. It also resembles other harriers in having distinct male and female plumages. | ||
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Hen Harriers hunt small [[mammal]]s and birds, surprising them as they drift low over fields and moors. The Harrier's flight follows the contours of the land below it. | Hen Harriers hunt small [[mammal]]s and birds, surprising them as they drift low over fields and moors. The Harrier's flight follows the contours of the land below it. | ||
| + | ==Breeding== | ||
The nest of this species is on the ground. Four to six whitish [[egg (biology)|eggs]] are laid. | The nest of this species is on the ground. Four to six whitish [[egg (biology)|eggs]] are laid. | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
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* [http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Harrier.html Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Northern Harrier] | * [http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Northern_Harrier.html Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Northern Harrier] | ||
* [http://www.sdakotabirds.com/species/northern_harrier_info.htm South Dakota Birds and Birding: Northern Harrier] | * [http://www.sdakotabirds.com/species/northern_harrier_info.htm South Dakota Birds and Birding: Northern Harrier] | ||
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| + | [[Category:Birds]][[Category:Real wildlife]] | ||
Revision as of 16:56, 11 July 2007
The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a bird of prey of the harrier family. It breeds throughout the northern parts of the Northern hemisphere in Canada and the northernmost USA, and northern Eurasia. In North America it is known as the Northern Harrier or Marsh Hawk.
This species is polytypic, comprising two subspecies:
- Circus cyaneus cyaneus: Breeds in Glennshire anf Frost.
- Circus cyaneus hudsonius: Breeds in Devonshire East.
Contents |
Range
Except in the mildest regions such as Frost and Matterhorn, it migrates to more southerly areas in winter. Hen Harriers will roost communally in winter, often with Merlins.
Description
This medium-sized raptor breeds on moorland, bogs and (in Devonshire) farmland. In winter it is a bird of open country.
This is a typical harrier, with long wings held in a shallow V in its low flight. It also resembles other harriers in having distinct male and female plumages.
The male is grey above and white below, with black wingtips. The female is brown above with white upper tail coverts, hence females and the similar juveniles are often called “ringtails”. Her underparts are buff streaked with brown.
Hen Harriers hunt small mammals and birds, surprising them as they drift low over fields and moors. The Harrier's flight follows the contours of the land below it.
Breeding
The nest of this species is on the ground. Four to six whitish eggs are laid.
References
- Template:IUCN2006 Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
