Is a harrier a bird of prey?

How much does a Harrier weigh?

They do not weigh much, only 1 to 3.5 pounds, which is significantly lesser in comparison to other birds of prey. These species include chipmunks, mice, grouse, raccoons, hares, squirrels, hares, doves, geese, crows, and woodpeckers in their diet. The Northern Harrier is a year-round resident in most areas of California, north of San Luis Obispo.

Where does the hen harrier live?

The hen harrier lives in open areas with low vegetation. In the breeding season UK birds are to be found on the upland heather moorlands of Wales, Northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland (as well as the Isle of Man). In winter they move to lowland farmland, heathland, coastal marshes, fenland and river valleys.

Is the hen harrier an endangered bird?

It is one of the most endangered breeding birds of prey in the country; it sometimes feeds on small grouse and fowl (hence its name), bringing it into conflict with gamekeepers and farmers. The hen harrier is a slim bird. Males are blue-grey with a white rump, pale underside and black wing tips.

Where do Henhen Harriers hunt?

Hen Harriers mainly hunt over moorland whilst breeding where they take small ground nesting birds and mammals. Spends winter in more coastal and lowland areas throughout Ireland hence most easily seen on the coast in the winter months.

Do hen harriers mate with other birds?

Hen Harriers practice polygyny – where one male will mate with and provision the nests of more than one female. Research has shown that this is more likely when food availability is high. Habitat and Distribution: During the breeding season Hen Harriers are very much birds of upland heather moors, mostly in Scotland.

Are hen harriers protected in Ireland?

Hen Harriers are fully protected in Ireland under the EU Birds Directive and under the national Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended), to kill or injure one is a criminal offence. Despite this, Hen Harriers and other protected birds of prey continue to be killed, or disappear in suspicious circumstances.

What is a hen harrier?

Once known for its skill in taking domestic chickens – hence its name – the hen harrier often preys on young grouse – wild game birds that gamekeepers protect and encourage for the sport of driven grouse shooting.

Why is the hen harrier endangered?

The hen harrier has been severely persecuted for taking game species and has suffered massive declines in numbers as a result. Thankfully, conservation projects are underway to reduce conflict surrounding its controversial prey.

Where do hen harriers live in the UK?

It winters in the lowlands, particularly around the coast, on heathland and on farmland. It is one of the most endangered breeding birds of prey in the country; it sometimes feeds on small grouse and fowl (hence its name), bringing it into conflict with gamekeepers and farmers. The hen harrier is a slim bird.

Where do hen harriers migrate to?

Hen harriers are found in Europe and Asia and migrate to more southerly areas in winter. Eurasian birds move to southern Europe and southern temperate Asia, in the mildest regions, such as France and Great Britain. Hen harries inhabit moorland, bogs, prairies, farmland coastal prairies, marshes, grasslands, swamps, and other assorted open areas.

How do hen harriers find their prey?

Hen harriers have an exceptionally good sense of hearing for diurnal raptors which they regularly use to find their prey; such acute hearing is the function of their owl-like facial disc. When hunting larger prey such as rabbits and adult ducks, Hen harriers will subdue these by drowning them in water.

Where can I see hen harriers in the UK?

Where and when to see them. The hen harrier lives in open areas with low vegetation. In the breeding season UK birds are to be found on the upland heather moorlands of Wales, Northern England, Northern Ireland and Scotland (as well as the Isle of Man).

How many chicks do hen harriers have fledged in England?

But last year the hen harrier enjoyed its best breeding year in England for nearly two decades, with 60 chicks fledging from 19 nests. Ecologists calculate that the English uplands could naturally support 330 breeding pairs if the birds were not persecuted.

Are hen harriers nesting on Geltsdale and Morris?

Geltsdale harriers’ only successful nesting attempt in the last 15 years was in 2016. A new pair of hen harriers, including one bird fitted with a satellite tag, have made another nest on Geltsdale and Morris urged local people to help keep these birds and their nests safe.

When do hen harriers come back to Bowland?

Hen harriers arrive back on upland breeding areas from late March and stay there until August and September. Away from breeding areas birds can be seen from October to March and continental birds will join residents in October and November. Watch footage from a hen harrier nest in Bowland during 2011. The hen harrier is a Schedule 1 species.

What is the difference between a hen harrier and a male?

Males very distinctive, appearing strikingly pale below, with blue grey upper parts and jet black wing-tips. Hen Harriers have somewhat of an owl-like face, particularly accentuated in female birds. Usually only heard in the breeding season near the nest site.

Are there any hen harriers in Ireland?

The languid flight of the hen harrier, gliding with wings held in its characteristic shallow V, has become a rare sight in Ireland. Historically one of our most persecuted birds of prey, the hen harrier’s habit of taking free-range domestic fowl (which led to the bird’s common name) did little to endear it to poultry keepers, and many were shot.

What is being done to protect the hen harrier?

The EU Birds Directive provides a legislative framework of measures required for assessing and ensuring the conservation of the hen harrier which includes monitoring, research and the designation of Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

Why is it illegal to kill a hen harrier?

A recent report identified that habitat, prey abundance and persecution and were of key importance affecting distribution, abundance and productivity of hen harriers. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take wild birds, including hen harriers.

What kind of bird is a hen harrier?

The hen harrier is a slim bird. Males are blue-grey with a white rump, pale underside and black wing tips. Females are brown above and streaky below, with a white rump and a banded tail. Found in Scotland and parts of upland Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

How does a hen harrier find its prey?

Harriers use hearing regularly to find prey, as they have exceptionally good hearing for diurnal raptors, this being the function of their owl -like facial disc. This harrier tends to be a very vocal bird while it glides over its hunting ground. Little information is available on longevity in hen harriers.

Why is the hen harrier in trouble?

The hen harrier has been severely persecuted for taking game species and has suffered massive declines in numbers as a result. Thankfully, conservation projects are underway to reduce conflict surrounding its controversial prey. Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the Red List for Birds (2015).

Why are hen harriers being driven to extinction in Ireland?

The hen harrier is one of Ireland’s most iconic upland bird species. Yet this slim, long-tailed hawk has been driven almost to extinction by sustained habitat loss and mistreatment.

What do hen harriers eat?

Hen harriers eat mostly mammals but will also take small birds, eggs, reptiles, and insects. Hen harriers can be seen in open areas with little vegetation. During breeding season they can be found on the moorlands of Wales, Northern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

How many hen harriers are there in the UK?

How many hen harriers are there in the UK? The British Trust for Ornithology estimates fewer than 700 pairs in the UK – the species’ strongholds are in Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and the north and west of Scotland. There are up to 60 pairs in Wales.

Why is it called a hen harrier?

The term “hen harrier” refers to the bird’s former habit of preying on free-ranging fowl. Hen harriers have an exceptionally good sense of hearing for diurnal raptors which they regularly use to find their prey; such acute hearing is the function of their owl-like facial disc.

When is the best time to see hen harriers?

Hen harriers arrive back on upland breeding areas from late March and stay there until August and September. Away from breeding areas birds can be seen from October to March and continental birds will join residents in October and November.