Wildlife of Britain

The Hen Harrier: Ghost of the Moorlands Few birds of prey capture the wild spirit of Britain’s uplands quite like the Hen Harrier.  Scientifically known as Circus cyaneus, this elegant raptor is often described as the “ghost of the moors” due to the male’s pale grey plumage and buoyant, drifting flight over heather-clad landscapes.  Both admired and controversially discussed, the hen harrier remains one of Britain’s most evocative and debated birds of prey. Identification and Appearance The hen harrier is a medium-sized raptor with long wings and a long tail, built for low, gliding flight. Adult Male • Pale silvery-grey body • Black wingtips • White rump patch • Slender, buoyant flight Adult Female (“Ringtail”) • Larger than the male • Brown overall with streaked underparts • Distinctive white rump • Banded tail Juveniles resemble females and are also referred to as ringtails. Sexual dimorphism in this species is striking, making males and females appear almost like different...