HARRIERS

Harriers are medium-sized raptors with long wings, tails and legs. They are named for their tireless pursuit of prey, hunting low over ground with wings held in a characteristic V-shape. Three species of harrier can be seen in the UK:

Marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus

The largest harrier has a heavier build and broader wings than other species. Wetland specialist.

• Wingspan: 122cm

• Weight: 540g (male)/670g (female)

• ID: Females are dark brown with pale heads. Males are tri-coloured – brown, grey and black.

• UK population: 590–695 breeding pairs.

Hen harrier Circus cyaneus

This heavily persecuted and red-listed species breeds on upland moors; winters at lowland sites, including wetlands.

• Wingspan: 110cm

• Weight: 350g (male)/500g (female)

• ID: ‘Ghostly’ pale-grey males. Female birds are brown with barred tail. Both sexes have a distinctive white patch on the rump.

• UK population: 500 breeding pairs.

Montagu’s harrier Circus pygargus

Slimmer than other species, with narrow wings, this is a scarce summer visitor to the UK (it winters in Africa).

• Wingspan: 112cm

• Weight: 270g (male)/380g (female)

• ID: Males are mostly grey. Females are dark brown.

• UK population: 5–10 breeding pairs annually.

MARSHLAND RAPTORS

Merlin A small (smaller than kestrel), fast-flying falcon. Merlins breed on upland moors, but overwinter in lowland areas and are particularly fond of coastal saltmarshes.

Short-eared owl These daytimeflying owls also nest in upland areas, but can be seen on wetland reserves and coastal marshes in the winter.

Barn owl Traditionally a bird of open farmland, this raptor will also hunt along marshland edges. Resident barn owls on Somerset’s Avalon Marshes prey on plentiful starlings.