The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) or Northern Harrier is a migratory bird that breeds across the northern parts of the northern hemisphere, in Canada, USA and northern Eurasia. In winter, the palearctic populations move to more southern areas of Europe, northern Africa and temperate Asia, and occurs as far north as southern Sweden and northern Britain. The nearktiska populations moving to the more southern parts of the United States, to Mexico and Central America. In the milder breeding areas, such as France, Britain and southern U.S. species can occur year round. Hen Harrier is a bird of prey that breeds in heathland and wetlands, but even in rural cultivation in Eurasia.
The hen harriers place their nests directly on the ground.
The hen harrier hunts small mammals and birds by surprise attacks, by slowly gliding over fields and moors. This harrier tends to be a very vocal bird while it glides over its hunting ground.
