Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Hen harriers nest on the ground amongst heather on upland moorlands and winter in the lowlands, particularly around the coast, on heathland and on farmland. © Hen Harrier by Mark Hamblin They are currently the most endangered breeding bird of prey in England: hen harriers feed on small grouse and fowl (hence their name) which brings them into conflict with gamekeepers and farmers. How to Identify Hen harriers are slim birds. Males are blue-grey with a white rump, pale underside and black wing tips. Females are brown above, streaky below, with a white rump and a banded tail. Where to Find Nests in Scotland and parts of upland Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Only a tiny handful of pairs now nest in parts of upland England. Winters in small and decreasing numbers throughout Britain. How People Can Help Hen harriers are one of our most persecuted birds, shot and poisoned for taking game species. Coupled with widespread damage to their wetland and heathland habitats, they have suffered massive declines. Various initiatives are now in place to help this beautiful bird to survive. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers and landowners towards a ‘Living Landscape’: a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust. Did you know? Female hen harriers are known as ‘Ring-tails’ due to the distinctive tail banding. Both females and males attend the young – the males providing food which is often passed, mid-air to the female, in a spectacular display of ‘throw and catch’. Key FactsLength: 48-55cmWingspan: 1.1mWeight: 350-500gAverage Lifespan: 7 years Donate Donate to help support Hen Harriers and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Herring Gull Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Redwing Birds Robin Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Starling Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whitethroat Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Wren Birds