Hen Harrier

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Circus cyaneus

Rare residents with 780 pairs breeding in Britain, mainly Wales & Scotland including 150 in Ireland.

Scarce but more widespread Winter Visitor.

Sadly no longer breed in Mainland England.

Breeds in Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, Ireland, Denmark, France & Spain. 

Some winter in Southern Europe & Northern South America.

Males are mainly grey above and white below except for the upper breast, which is grey like the upperparts, and the rump, which is white; the wings are grey with black wingtips. 

Females are brown above with white upper tail coverts.

Juveniles resemble females but with less distinct barring, dark brown secondaries dark brown and less-barred belly.

Known as ringtails.