Hen Harrier

Circus Cyaneus

Order:

Accipitriformes

Family:

Accipitridae

Size:

42-50 cm

Weight:

M 300-400 g, F 370-708 g

Taxonomy:

Monotypic Falco cyaneus (Linnaeus, 1766)

Short Description:

Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a medium-sized bird of prey found in various habitats across Pakistan, including marshes, grasslands, and moorlands. Recognized for its distinctive hunting behavior, this harrier glides low over open landscapes, using its keen eyesight to spot prey such as small mammals, birds, and insects. During the breeding season, Hen Harriers establish nesting territories in open areas with dense vegetation, constructing nests from twigs and grass. Both male and female birds participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the young. Despite its adaptability to various habitats, the Hen Harrier faces threats such as habitat loss and human disturbance, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect its populations in Pakistan

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Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is distributed across various habitats in Pakistan, including marshes, grasslands, and moorlands. While their distribution may vary depending on factors such as seasonal movements and prey availability, Hen Harriers are commonly found in wetland areas such as the Indus River Delta, as well as grasslands and agricultural landscapes in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan provinces. During the winter months, some populations of Hen Harriers may migrate to Pakistan from their breeding grounds in Central Asia and Europe, further expanding their distribution across the country.

Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) exhibits unique behavior characteristic of its hunting strategies and habitat preferences. As a bird of prey, it primarily hunts small mammals, birds, and occasionally insects. Hen Harriers are known for their low and buoyant flight over open habitats such as marshes, grasslands, and moorlands, where they use their keen eyesight to spot prey. Their hunting technique often involves gliding low over the ground, occasionally hovering briefly before diving down to capture prey with their sharp talons. During the breeding season, Hen Harriers establish nesting territories in open areas with dense vegetation, constructing nests from twigs, grass, and other plant materials.