Cinereous Harrier
Circus cinereus
The Cinereous Harrier (Circus cinereus) is a uncommon kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 10 countries, weighing about 400 g. The cinereous harrier is a South American bird of prey of the harrier family.
About the Cinereous Harrier
The cinereous harrier is a South American bird of prey of the harrier family. Its breeding range extends from the Tierra del Fuego through Argentina and Chile to Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru and southern Brazil; and across the Andes north to Colombia. The bird's population is declining but due to its large range is not considered vulnerable. The term cinereous, deriving from the Latin word for ashy, describes its colouration.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The male's plumage is dark grey above with black wingtips and a white rump. The underparts are pale grey, with a rufous streaked belly. The female's plumage is brown above, with a white rump, and cream coloured underneath, with a streaked belly similar to the males. The female is larger than the male with an average size of 46 cm (18 in) compared to the male's 40 cm (16 in). The wingspan is 90–115 cm (35–45 in). Since the 44.5 cm (17.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Falkland Islands.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Cinereous Harrier?
- The male's plumage is dark grey above with black wingtips and a white rump. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Cinereous Harrier?
- The Cinereous Harrier is a large sized bird weighing about 400 g.
- Where can you see a Cinereous Harrier?
- The Cinereous Harrier occurs in 10 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Uruguay.
- What birds look similar to a Cinereous Harrier?
- The Cinereous Harrier is most easily confused with the African Marsh Harrier, the Long-winged Harrier and the Eastern Marsh Harrier.
- Is the Cinereous Harrier endangered?
- The Cinereous Harrier is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Cinereous Harrier for real
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