Montagu's Harrier

The Montagu's harrier, with the scientific name Circus pygargus, is a migratory bird of prey belonging to the harrier family. This elegant raptor is named in honor of the British naturalist George Montagu. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is adorned with pale grey plumage and striking black wingtips, while the female and juvenile are cloaked in a more subdued brown with a white rump, setting them apart from their kin.

Identification Tips

When observing the Montagu's harrier, one can note the male's unique black bands on the secondaries and the rusty streaks on the belly and flanks. The female and juvenile, on the other hand, display pale yellow-brown underparts with longitudinal stripes and spotted wing coverts. A melanistic form, with darker plumage, is also known to occur within this species.

Habitat

The Montagu's harrier favors open landscapes for breeding, such as river valleys, plains, and coastal areas. It is often found in wetlands, heaths, and steppes, and can adapt to shrublands and young conifer plantations. In the absence of natural habitats, it may resort to nesting in agricultural fields, where it is susceptible to human activities.

Distribution

This species enjoys a broad distribution across the Western Palearctic, with strongholds in France, Spain, Russia, Belarus, and Poland. Its breeding range stretches from Portugal to the Urals and includes parts of northern Africa. In Britain, it is confined to southern England, and in Ireland, it is a rare visitor.

Behaviour

The Montagu's harrier is known for its graceful and buoyant flight, often seen gliding low over the ground with wings held in a V-shape. It may form loose colonies during breeding or remain solitary. The species is also noted for its long-distance migratory habits, with Eurasian populations wintering in sub-Saharan Africa and eastern populations in the Indian subcontinent.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Montagu's harrier during courtship displays are a defining characteristic, with both sexes engaging in loud cries, although the male's aerial performances are particularly spectacular.

Breeding

Breeding pairs may return to the same nesting sites annually, potentially reuniting with the same mate. Nests are constructed by the female in tall vegetation and consist of simple grass structures. Clutch size ranges from 3 to 5 eggs, with incubation lasting 27-40 days. The young fledge after 28-42 days and gain independence shortly thereafter. Polygamy is observed in males, leading to the need to provide for multiple broods.

Similar Species

The Montagu's harrier can be confused with the hen harrier and pallid harrier. Males are distinguishable by their darker, more mottled plumage, while females and juveniles require careful observation to differentiate, with the Montagu's appearing more slender with longer wings and tail.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Montagu's harrier is diverse, including small mammals, birds, eggs, reptiles, and large insects. Hunting involves flying at low heights and speeds, capturing prey by surprise or after a short chase. During breeding, males provide food for the female and young, often transferring prey mid-air.

Conservation status

The Montagu's harrier is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, its reliance on agricultural lands for nesting makes it vulnerable to changes in farming practices and habitat loss. Conservation efforts include nest protection and collaboration with landowners to ensure the survival of this species.