Pallid Harrier

Circus Macrourus

Order:

Accipitriformes

Family:

Accipitridae

Size:

40-48 cm

Weight:

M 235-416 g, F 402-550 g

Taxonomy:

Monotypic Falco macrourus (S. G. Gmelin, 1770)

Short Description:

Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) is a migratory bird of prey that visits Pakistan during its wintering season. With its distinct pale plumage and characteristic hovering flight, it is often seen in open grasslands, agricultural fields, and wetlands across the country. During winter, Pallid Harriers primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and insects, which they hunt by gliding low over the ground or hovering in the air before swooping down to capture prey with their sharp talons. While in Pakistan, they may also establish temporary roosting sites in suitable habitats. Pallid Harriers play a vital role in controlling populations of small mammals and birds, contributing to the balance of ecosystems in Pakistan during their winter residency.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) is primarily distributed across open grasslands, agricultural fields, and wetlands in Pakistan during its wintering season. It can be found in various regions of the country, including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. During winter, Pallid Harriers migrate from their breeding grounds in Central Asia and Europe to Pakistan, where they spend the colder months foraging for small mammals, birds, and insects. While their distribution may vary within Pakistan depending on factors such as habitat availability and prey abundance, Pallid Harriers are commonly observed in areas with suitable open habitats and prey resources. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the protection of their wintering grounds and habitats in Pakistan.

Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) exhibits fascinating behavior reflective of its hunting strategies and migratory habits. As a bird of prey, it primarily hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, often employing a combination of soaring flight and hovering to locate and capture prey. Pallid Harriers are known for their distinctive hovering flight, where they can remain stationary in the air while scanning the ground for potential prey. This behavior allows them to effectively hunt in open grasslands, agricultural fields, and wetlands, where they typically forage during their wintering season in Pakistan.