Harrier voice. Harrier (circus cyaneus). Lifestyle, nutrition

Harrier - Circus cyaneus (Moscow region) (Linnaeus, 1766) Order Falconiformes Family Accipitridae - Accipitridae

Spreading:

North America, Eurasia from the Atlantic to Kamchatka, the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and northern Primorye. North to the 67th parallel (1). Inhabits the entire territory of the Moscow region. In the last decade, the species has been recorded in many administrative districts (in 83 points), but nesting has been reliably established only in the Taldom, Sergiev Posad, Voskresensky, Kashira and Naro-Fominsk districts.

Judging by repeated meetings during nesting time and meetings of territorial pairs, it probably nests in Lukhovitsky, Serebryano-Prudsky, Mozhaisk and Volokolamsk districts (2). Apparently, it nests in many other places where it was noted during nesting time.

Number and trends of its change

In the past, it was a rare species, distributed throughout central Russia (3). Listed in the list of summer birds of the lake. Glubokoe in the Istra district (4, 5) and nesting birds of the lake. Trostenskoye (3). A notable decline occurred in the 1980s, after which numbers appear to have remained stable at low levels.

Currently, in the Moscow region, the species nests mainly in single, sparse pairs. The only known place of sufficiently dense nesting is the Dubna swamp massif and its environs (Taldomsky district), where in 2005 and 2007. marked, respectively, 9-11 and 13 pairs (6). Total number The species in the region apparently amounts to several dozen pairs.

Features of biology and ecology

Inhabits open landscapes: meadows, fields, open areas of swamps, extensive clearings and forest edges. The nest is located on the ground, usually in a small clump of tall grass, often in a moist place (7). There are usually 4-6 eggs in a clutch; incubation lasts 29-31 days.

The young fledge at the age of 32-42 days (8). Primarily myophagous, mouse-like rodents comprise approximately 80% of the food spectrum (7). Ground-nesting birds also play a significant role in feeding. small birds. It is characterized by instability of territorial connections and significant fluctuations in numbers depending on the number of rodents (7, 9). Migratory species (8).

Limiting factors

Low degree of tolerance to any manifestations economic activity within the nesting area. Overgrowing of meadows and fields with tall weeds (the species needs good review nesting territory and is not able to nest in abandoned farmland) (7, 9).

Security measures taken

The species is listed in Appendix II of the CITES Convention. Listed in the Red Book of the Kaluga Region (2006) and scheduled for inclusion in the Red Book of the Vladimir Region. It has been under special protection in the Moscow region since 1978 (10). The nesting group is protected in the regional reserve "Crane Homeland" in the Taldomsky district.

Special protection measures (other than a general ban on shooting birds of prey) are not required.

Need for artificial breeding absent.

1. Stepanyan, 2003; 2. Database on the program "Birds of Moscow and Moscow Region"; 3. Ptushenko, Inozemtsev, 1968; 4. Voronkov, 1903; 5. Voronkov, 1907; 6. Book of facts of the Crane Homeland reserve (manufactured); 7. Bogomolov, 2001; 8. Snow, Perrins, 1998; 9. Bogomolov, 2000; 10. Decision of the executive committees..., 1978. Compiled by A.L. Mishchenko.

Photo (Image): "Northern (Hen) Harrier" by Len Blumin from Mill Valley, California, United States- Northern Harrier. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 from Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Northern_(Hen)_Harrier.jpg #/media/File:Northern_(Hen)_Harrier.jpg

The Hen Harrier is a bird of prey from the hawk family. Migratory species.

Habitat of the Hen Harrier

The bird lives throughout almost the entire northern hemisphere, throughout the vast territory of Eurasia and North America.

These birds prefer to winter in North Africa, the tropics of Asia or Central America.

In Russia, they are common in various landscapes, namely: tundra, forest-tundra, forest-steppe, steppe.

In central Russia, the hen harrier appears in April, when large thawed patches appear in the snow.

Appearance

Adults reach a body length of 45-52 cm and a meter wingspan, with females being somewhat larger than males. The weight of females is from 380 to 600 grams, the weight of males is 280 -350 grams.

They also differ in color: a reddish-brown female and an ash-gray male. The top of the birds is dark, the abdomen and chest are speckled white. Three transverse stripes are always clearly visible on the lower part of the female's tail. The eyes and legs are yellow, the beak is black.

All young harriers under one year of age look similar to females, differing only in an even more reddish hue and fewer speckles.

Common to all harriers business card What distinguishes them from other predators of the hawk family is their facial disc, which looks like an owl’s. This arrangement of feathers improves their hearing, which these birds actively use in searching for prey.

Lifestyle. Nutrition

They lead an active lifestyle during the day and at dusk. Thanks to its long wings and tail, the Hen Harrier can hover silently above the ground and hunt down rodents (mice, voles and hamsters) that make up up to 95% of its diet. The remainder consists of amphibians, insects, reptiles and, occasionally, carrion.

male harrier photo

The harrier flies slowly, alternating between flapping its wings and hovering low above the ground. They arrive from the wintering grounds in early April and fly away after nesting in September.

Reproduction

These hen harriers reach maturity a year after birth. They often nest in sparse colonies of 15-20 individuals.

Hen Harrier nest photo

Moreover, females choose one single companion, but among males there are occasionally harem lovers who court several “ladies” at the same time. This is not so simple, because the male must get food while his girlfriend builds a nest and incubates the eggs.

A flat nest of branches and vegetation, lined with grass and leaves, is built directly on the ground or on a small hummock. In May or June, the female lays 4-6 eggs and incubates them for a month. During this period and another two weeks after the chicks hatch, the male provides food for his family.

However, he does not approach the nest: he sits nearby and calls his girlfriend to take the prey from him. Or he simply drops his gifts on the fly in the hope that the female will catch them. A couple of weeks after birth, the mother completely takes care of the offspring and feeds the growing babies until they become completely independent.

During mating games, the male demonstrates his agility by flying up and falling sharply down. The female joins him in these exercises, but is usually less enthusiastic.
Harriers do not like to perch on trees. To rest, they prefer to sink to the ground.
The harrier's eyes, unlike those of a hawk or an eagle, are not located strictly on the sides, but are shifted to the front of the head, which, together with the facial disc, makes this bird slightly similar to an owl.
The chicks leave their nest at the age of 35 days, and soon set off on their first big journey - seasonal migration.
The Hen Harrier differs from its close relative, the Steppe Harrier, by the pronounced border between the white belly and the darker chest, as well as by less pointed wing tips.
This predator can hunt not only during the day, but also at dusk, sometimes continuing the hunt until darkness.
The Hen Harrier is not only a decoration of plains and meadows, but also an important participant in the ecosystem, successfully regulating the number of rodents and insects.

The common harrier is a bird belonging to the birds of prey from the order Falconiformes. It is active mainly during the daytime. The harrier differs from its relatives, first of all, in the shape of the body and the rather pleasant colors of the plumage. This bird species is protected and considered rare.

Appearance of a harrier

There are external differences between the male and the female, and the female is most often much larger, reaching a weight of 600 grams, and is about 60 cm tall. In turn, the male can externally resemble a large pigeon (about 400 grams). The plumage of the birds has a grayish tint or white, the tail area and head are light. Females are browner in color and have white tail feathers. The wings are decorated with three dark stripes. Common to all birds is the gray color of the beak and the yellow color of the claws and paws.

The body of representatives of this species of birds is slender, the wings are extended and long. The eye color ranges from yellowish to brown and is located close to the beak.

Habitat

The Hen Harrier lives throughout the Northern Hemisphere, inhabiting both forest-tundra areas and steppes. In America and Eurasia they are present almost everywhere. Nesting sites are mainly located in open spaces: in steppe or forest-steppe areas, in the tundra.

For habitat, the harrier chooses places where forests are being cut down, there are swampy places, meadows flooded with water, and forest edges. The nesting site will certainly be located where there are tall thickets of grass (for example, nettles) or bushes. The Hen Harrier prefers to hide from human eyes and can live in the mountains, but not below a level of 3 thousand meters.

Features of nutrition and lifestyle

For food, the common field harrier usually uses small rodents, small lizards, frogs, insect larvae and worms. In addition, the predator can attack other people's nests, eating the chicks. Having caught the prey, the harrier characteristically plays with it: tosses it in the air, catches it again, repeating this several times and accompanied by a specific squealing sound. In addition, this bird can make a squeal.

The flight of the harrier is squat, at low altitude. During the flight, the bird tries to find the prey, looks out for it, catches it and catches it using sharp claws. The caught prey is swallowed quickly and whole.

Often the harrier goes hunting in the daytime or at dusk. In addition to the usual food, the bird is not averse to eating carrion. Over the course of a month, on average, the harrier needs 300 units of small animals, which indicates its enormous appetite.

Birds return from wintering around April, and already in May they begin mating and breeding. With the beginning of autumn, the common harrier begins migrating to warm countries, usually the territory of India, Asia or African countries. Individual individuals can remain for the winter, settling in nesting areas in small groups, about 15 pairs at a fairly large distance from each other. Migration also occurs in flocks.

Breeding period

Females are monogamous individuals, which cannot be said about males. The latter often manages to become the father of a family with more than three females. In the process of mating games and flirting with his beloved, the harrier draws various figures during flight, performs pirouettes, sometimes together with his partner.

The female also builds the nest, choosing for this purpose a secluded and inconspicuous place in the bushes or on a hummock in the swamps. Branches and dried grass are usually used to build a nest; the harrier takes care of the habitat, keeping it tidy and clean. The clutch usually contains up to 7-8 eggs, which the female needs to incubate.

The parent is responsible for feeding the hatched chicks. They are not born at the same time, and only the strongest survive. Flying up to the nesting site, the father who brought the prey emits a loud cry, and then the female flies up to him to pick up the trophy. Alternatively, the harrier can also drop the victim directly to the nest. After a month, the chicks can already fly independently. When leaving the nest, the cubs do not become attached to it, changing their habitat regularly. The Harrier reaches sexual maturity at one year of age.

Bird Rivals

Often, young chicks or individuals up to 1-2 years of age become prey to other, larger predators. They can be attacked by a weasel weasel, a raccoon dog, or other animals. But it is worth pointing out that the common harrier, also being a predator, is quite cunning and intelligent, so it can eat almost any living creature that it manages to catch.

Interesting facts

The Hen Harrier is quite an interesting and characteristic bird, which differs from a number of other relatives.

While flying above the surface of the earth, it often holds a small bunch of plants in its claws.
The common harrier will never sit for a long time on tree branches. Also, the bird will not build nests there; their places of residence are located only on the surface of the earth.
The shape of the wings resembles the letter V from the Latin alphabet.
If a person threatens the harrier chicks, then the brave bird may even attack him, fiercely and tirelessly protecting the offspring with all her might.
The chicks are born sighted, their plumage is brownish-grayish in color. The offspring develop quite intensively.

In addition, it is worth pointing out that in natural conditions On average, an individual hen harrier can live up to 11-13 years.

Endangered species

In a number of regions of Russia, representatives of these birds are disappearing, so the species is included in the Red Book. The most problematic regions are Moscow, Ulyanovsk and Kaluga regions, Kamchatka, as well as the territory of Tatarstan and Ukraine.

The disappearance of the species is due to people: the habitats of the Hen Harrier are becoming less and less suitable for this, swamps are being drained, forests are being cut down. Poaching is also not the last reason for the extinction of the species.

Video: Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

Appearance

Predatory bird medium in size with long, relatively narrow wings and a long tail. The end of the wing seems blunt, since the 3rd and 4th primaries are the longest and of the same length (the 2nd primary is slightly shorter than the fifth). The first primary swing is shorter than the 6th and the same length as the 7th. Cutting of the inner web of the 1st primary flight feather is approximately at the same level with the tips of the raceme coverts. Notches on the outer webs are present on the outer 5 primaries. The male is light-colored, ash-gray or light gray on top with the same color chest and white belly. At the ends of the wings there are large black spots, occupying almost half of all primary flight feathers, and in a flying bird the black color has a border with the light color in the form of an obtuse angle or a conventionally straight line. A dark-gray stripe stretches along the rear edge of the wing, standing out against the general light-gray background of the wing, less pronounced in older birds. The rump is white. The tail is plain, without stripes, or the bluish stripes are barely noticeable against the light bluish background of the tail. The eyes are yellow.

The female is dark brown above, often with buffy edges of the coverts, light buffy below with dark teardrop-shaped streaks on the chest and longitudinal streaks on the belly and “pants”, reddish towards the legs, the rump is white, and the white field is wide and bright, with slightly reddish edges of the feathers along the edge, tail with dark transverse stripes. At the bottom of the wing, on the light field of the flight feathers, there are 3 clear longitudinal stripes, located at the same distance from each other, the lower wing coverts are speckled with red spots, and therefore differ from the color of the main background of the flight feathers in a red color. There are 2 dark stripes on the bottom of the tail (the third is covered by tail coverts), with the clearest and widest terminal stripe. Around the front of the head is a ring of stiff feathers, vaguely reminiscent of the frame of the facial disc of owls. The pattern of the facial disc is relatively dark and blurred (not clear as in the female meadow harrier). There is a black rim around the eye, below which there is a white rim along the cheek that does not meet the light eyebrow, separated from it by a brown stripe that frames the outside of the white rim of the cheek. The facial disc is limited by a light "collar". The eyes are yellow.

Weight of males - 0.3-0.4 kg, females - 0.4-0.7 kg, length - 43-56 cm, wing of males - 32.3-36.0 cm, females - 35.8-39, 6 cm, span - 100-124 cm.

Young birds are similar to adult females, but rufous, on their backs they have wide rufous borders along a brown background of coverts, below the streaks are longitudinal and long and narrow, on the facial disc there is a clear pattern due to the bright white feathers framing the “face”, contrasting with the dark brown edges neck feathers. The eyes are grayish-brown.

Downy chicks in the first plumage are white with a grayish-ocher tint and dark spot on the ear, in the second - grayish-buffy with red tips of the dorsal and chest feathers.

They fly low above the ground, as if gliding, with rare flapping of their wings. The wings are held strongly upward (V-shaped), much more so than in buzzards (Bubo bubo).

Males differ from males of the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in light coloring, from the steppe harrier (Circus macrourus) - in wider black spots on the ends of the wings, greater spread of the primary flight feathers (in the steppe harrier the wing is sharper due to the fact that the longest 3rd primary flight feather, the 4th is longer than the 2nd, and the 1st is slightly shorter than the 7th), the color of the chest is the same color with the back, contrasting with the white belly (in the steppe harrier both the chest and belly are white), from the meadow harrier (Circus pygargus) - the absence of a longitudinal black stripe in the center of the secondary flight feathers on the wings and longitudinal rufous stripes along the belly. Females differ from females of the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) in lighter coloring and a white rump; from females of the steppe harrier (Circus macrourus) and meadow harriers (Circus pygargus) in a significantly wider white spot on the rump, without streaks and a blunt tip of the wing (in females of field harriers The 3rd and 4th primary swings are the same length; in the meadow and steppe, the 3rd primary swing is longer than the 2nd and 4th).

Juveniles, in contrast to young steppe harriers (Circus macrourus) and meadow harriers (Circus pygargus), are browner, without bright red tones on the belly with streaks (in the steppe and meadow harriers, streaks on the chest and belly are absent or weakly expressed). They differ from young meadows by the white border of the facial disc.

In general, distinguishing females and especially young, light-colored harriers is quite a difficult task, and only an experienced specialist can do it. In some cases, especially when observed from afar, the young are completely indistinguishable.

Voice - a high, abrupt squeak “piiya..” or a rattling two-syllable squeak like “pik-pii...”, when anxious - a nasal and sharp “ki-ki-ki......ki-ki-ki..”, in the male it is more melodic , than that of the female or the clucking “kwek-kwek-ek-ek...”

Habitat

The Hen Harrier is distributed from the steppe to the tundra. In the forest zone it gravitates towards open habitats where it hunts, although it almost always nests in clearings or small clearings among the forest, at some distance from large open spaces.

In the European part of Russia, the Hen Harrier is a typical forest bird, beginning to be found nesting only north of the southern forest-steppe areas, and its numbers increase as the area of forested areas increases. Favorite nesting places are clearings 3-5 years old, overgrown with raspberries, nettles and fireweed, less often burnt areas, large or small, up to 0.3 hectares, the latter necessarily located near natural open spaces. Harriers give clear preference to small clearings with an area of 0.5-5 hectares located near fields and meadows. In the forest-steppe zone, if there are other suitable nesting places, it prefers to nest, as well as in the forest zone, in clearings among island forests. Less commonly, it settles in thickets of bushes on the outskirts of fields, in vegetable gardens overgrown with nettles in non-residential settlements and the ruins of villages and summer camps cattle, among fallow lands and in thickets of bushes in river floodplains and sphagnum bogs.

In the forest zone of Western Siberia, in addition to cleared areas, it inhabits swamps and agrocenoses, but in smaller numbers.

In Southern Siberia, it nests along the edges of forests in areas bordering the steppe (ribbon forests, upland larch and birch forests) and inside forest clearings.

In tundra forests it gravitates towards the edges, nesting in small open spaces inside the forest or among open larch forests.

In the mountainous regions of the Urals and Siberia, it often nests in crooked forests, along the border with the mountain tundra and in mountain meadows. In the southern regions of Altai and Sayan, in the overwhelming majority of cases it dominates in the mountain tundra, where it nests among thickets of round-leaved birch.

Nests

The nest is located on the ground. The distance from the nest to a large open space (meadow, clearing, field) is usually 10-200 m, less often up to 600 m (when nesting in large clearings in the taiga).

The appearance of the nest can vary greatly, depending on soil moisture. Nests built on dry soil look like a hole with a diameter of 10-30 cm and a depth of 1-8 cm, lined with dry grass. Often branches and coarse grass stems are scattered loosely along the edge of the hole. On moist soil, harriers build loose structures from thin twigs and coarse stems of grasses (reed, wormwood, quinoa). The tray is lined with softer blades of grass. The size of such nests: diameter - 25-80 cm, on average 40 cm, height - 4-30 cm, on average 15 cm, tray diameter - 10-25 cm, on average 17 cm, tray depth - 2-8 cm, in average 5 cm.

There are 3-7 eggs in a clutch, most often 3-5 eggs. The eggs are white, sometimes with rare ocher or brownish specks and spots. Egg size: 40.0-53.5 x 32.0-39.9 mm, average 45.99 x 35.89 mm.

When a nest is disturbed, hen harriers, in most cases, actively defend it, flying screaming above the intruder and imitating an attack, often descending 1-2 m above him. Harriers of northern populations nesting in the taiga zone are more aggressive when disturbed at the nests, and sometimes even hit researchers. The female sits tightly on the clutch and takes off 1-2 m from the observer, actually right from under the feet.

The distance between nests of different pairs in dense nesting groups varies from 0.5 to 2.0 km, usually 1 km, in less dense habitats - from 2 to 10 km, usually 4 km.

Traces of life activity

It leaves pellets under low perches along the periphery of open spaces and near the nest. The pellets are loose, light gray or grey, cylindrical in shape with rounded ends. The bone remains are very finely crushed, constitute an insignificant part of the mass of the pellet and are located superficially. When birds feed, some of the feathers in the pellet retain their natural color. Chick pellets, as a rule, do not contain bone elements; they contain dry parts of plants and a small amount of insect remains. Size of pellets of adult birds: 4.5-7.0 x 2.0-3.0 cm, chicks: 3.0-4.5 x 1.5-2.0 cm.

Unlike hawks (Accipiter ssp.) and falcons (Falco ssp.), it cuts prey not only on perches, but also on the ground. The victim is completely cleared of all feathers, with the exception of the paws and head. Doesn't tear off legs or wings.

Often on the mud or sand of field roads you can find traces of harriers perching near rodent burrows. Paw prints characteristic of harriers appearance. The fingerprints are thin, with narrow and sharp claws. Paw print size: 8.0 x 4.5-5.5 cm, middle toe length - 3.7-4.0 cm, outer toe length - 2.8-3.2 cm, back toe length - 2.6 -2.9 cm, width of fingers at the base - 0.4-0.5 cm.

Detection methods

The best way recording of hen harriers is recording on road routes planned along open biotopes, highly mosaic with forest cover of at least 50%. In such places (developed areas of the southern forest zone) the number of hen harriers should be maximum.

Searching for nests is best done by tracking males from elevated points. If it is quite easy to trace the route of birds to a nest in the tundra or among vast fields, then in a mosaic forest landscape it is necessary to choose a point from which an area with a radius of at least 2 km would be covered by observation. The most successful periods are the construction of a nest and feeding the chicks. At this time, the frequency of arrivals to the nest is highest. During the period of feeding the chicks, it is much easier to notice the location of the nest, since the female flies out from it towards the male (transfer of prey, in most cases, occurs in the air). As a rule, Hen Harrier nests are hidden from large open spaces by a strip of forest, therefore, the higher the elevation from which the observation is carried out, the easier it is to localize the location of a probable nest. From a point rising 50 m above the forest, at a distance of a kilometer the border of even small “windows” in the forest is already visible. Having registered the point of entry and exit of birds into the forest, you should take an azimuth, anchor yourself to landmarks at the edge of the forest and in its depths, and go look for a nest. Finding a nest will be greatly facilitated by using a satellite navigator (GPS) and working in tandem with a partner using a walkie-talkie, or both. Having a GPS and a walkie-talkie, two people should work in the same way as in the case of the marsh harrier.

Populated Eurasia, England, South Asia, and the northern territories of the African continent.

While admiring the natural landscape of small bodies of water, you can often see places where does the marsh harrier live?.

Harriers prefer wetlands, as well as places rich in aquatic fauna. A person who tries to imagine the habitat of harriers immediately sees a swampy place and reed thickets.

The bird knows how to hide from prying eyes and the evil intentions of the enemy. Despite the fact that harriers skillfully hide from their pursuers, this species remains in wildlife not much.

Hunters destroyed a large number of harriers, and these days you can get acquainted with this unique bird more often in, rather than meet it nearby in the reed thickets on the shore of a reservoir.

Character and lifestyle

marsh harrier bird rather large, it is clearly visible in the skies of Central Europe. Looking into the sky, you will immediately notice the graceful soaring of birds of the hawk family. Although in other parts of the earth they are smaller - up to 45 cm in size.

There is no haste in the bird's celestial movement, and therefore its light and free soaring is pleasing to the eye of the observer. The flight of a predator will not leave the person watching it indifferent. The bird seems to choose a moment to rest in the skies.

Slowly flapping its wide wings, and suddenly it hovers between the clouds, and then sharply drops down, gracefully soaring above the ground. It serves as a steering wheel and speed switch a long tail. Flapping its wings over the body, a decorative curve is formed, as if a marsh harrier describes a checkmark in the form of the letter “V”.

Seeing the prey marsh harrier, hiding in the reeds, it quickly rushes at the victim. This bird is not averse to feasting on aquatic inhabitants. Her tenacious claws tightly grip her victim, who has just lived in the water.

Depending on the time of year, the bird's plumage changes. Interestingly, the color of feathers depends on gender. The color of the girl's attire is in brown tones, and for greater attractiveness, the feathers of the wings and head are covered with beige plumage.

Individual boys have a formal suit: gray, brown, white or black. The feathers in the ear holes serve as a navigator, directing sound waves while hunting in the reeds.

Birds usually meet winter in southern Africa, but some individuals living in places where climatic conditions soft, they allow themselves not to be bothered by flights. Individuals are divided into those who like to roam and others who prefer a lifestyle.

There are only 8 subspecies of marsh harriers, found from Eurasia to New Zealand. There are none in the far northwestern regions of Europe. The most sedentary species is found in Italy, the number of which is 130-180 pairs; in winter, the number increases due to guests from the north.

Typically, these birds prefer solitude, with the exception of the mating season. During the construction of the nest, the bird emits an unusual call “kuya”, which can be translated as “where, here I am!”

Feeding marsh harriers

What does the marsh harrier eat? The diet is very varied. Its favorite food is mammals and mice. Unpretentiousness to food does not limit his menu, so he is not averse to feasting on waterfowl, frogs and small unpretentious fish.

In the fields, his keen eye can focus on a small or wild rabbit, which he will also not disdain to taste. When all the birds are busy setting up their cozy places, small birds become a wonderful delicacy for the little harrier chicks.

He is very attentive when patrolling his area. Flying low above the ground, he is always ready to grab unwary prey. Instantly rushing at it, grabs it with its curved claws and divides its food into several portions with its beak.

Fishing becomes successful for him thanks to his long and tenacious claws. So any angler will envy his success. An astonishing attack on an adult was recorded. I would like to note that the food of this bird directly depends on the location and habitat.

Thus, in the southwest of Turkmenistan, the main food is water birds and small rodents. In Holland, birds prefer wild rabbits, and Danish harriers feed on coot chicks. The harrier is an amazing bird; watching it is a real pleasure, causing only positive emotions.

Reproduction and lifespan

Mating season Harrier is quite unusual. At the beginning of April, you can see the amazing flight of dancing males in the sky. Describe the dance of marsh harriers , in a word, impossible. To feel it, you need to see it with your own eyes.

They flash in a fast rhythm high above the ground, showing their agility and ability to move in the skies. Thus, they manage to turn the heads of young females. And they can no longer ignore their acrobatic performances.

Usually such pirouettes are performed in pairs. Males amuse their companion with games in the air, assuring them of their love. On photo you can clearly see them waltzing into mating dance marsh harriers. Having chosen a companion, the female has fun playing games with her partner.

The female begins building a cozy, spacious nest in May. She is the keeper of the family hearth. And the father of a bird brood is the breadwinner. The bird chooses materials for its arrangement from the so-called available material: reeds, sedges and other marsh plants.

In 2-3 days, the female lays up to five light-colored eggs with bright spots in a comfortable nest. The responsibility to warm and take care of the constant temperature of the clutch is assigned to the female. After 32-36 days, unusually light fluffy lumps appear, like reflections of the moon.

The eyes of the chicks glow when they are born. These beauties greedily snatch food from the beaks of their parents. The care of feeding the chicks lies with the adults until the chicks fledge and become independent, ready to fly out of the nest.

What is noteworthy is that the male throws his catch directly into the nest, and sometimes the female rises into the air to take the prey from him. The marsh harrier, being a representative of the order Accipitridae, could join the list of long-livers. Under favorable conditions, he is able to live for a quarter of a century, but he rarely succeeds, because this bird is mercilessly exterminated.

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