Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Wingspan 100-120cm

Scarce, but the most likely harrier species to be seen in Britain. Male has pale blue-grey plumage except for white belly, white rump and black wingtips. Female and immature brown with barring on wings and tail, and white rump. Favours expansive areas of heathland, moor and grassland. Flies low and at slow speed, often quartering ground in search of voles and mice. Breeds on northern, upland moors in N England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Winters mostly S of breeding range, numbers swollen by continental birds. Uses communal winter roosts.