Pallid Harrier
by
Shop
Circus macrourus
Rare vagrants from Asia with 100 records for Britain & 10 records for Ireland, small influxes are seen between September-April.
Winters in Southern Europe & Africa.
They also breed in Iberia & north from Italy to Denmark.
Males are whitish grey above and white below, with narrow black wingtips.
It differs from the Hen Harrier in its smaller size, narrower wings, paler colour, and different wing tip pattern.
Females are brown above with white upper tail coverts, hence females and the similar juveniles are often called "ringtails".
Her underparts are buff streaked with brown.
It is very similar to the Female Montagu's Harrier, but has a paler belly and a well defined facial pattern.