About the Montagu's Harrier
Montagu's harrier is a species of harrier, a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It breeds in large open areas in the Palearctic and is migratory, wintering in Africa, the Indian subcontinent and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Its common name commemorates the British naturalist George Montagu.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Sexual dimorphism is particularly apparent in the plumage of this species. Adult males are characterized by their overall pale grey plumage contrasting with black wingtips. Compared with other harriers this species has characteristic black bands along the secondaries, both above and below the wing and rusty streaks on belly and flanks. Adult females have a broadly similar plumage to that of pallid and hen harriers. The underparts are mostly pale yellow-brown, the belly with longitudinal stripes and the wing coverts spotted.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Cape Verde, South Sudan, Iceland.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Swamp HarrierCircus approximansThe swamp harrier is largely dark brown, becoming lighter with age, and has a distinct white rump.
Pallid HarrierCircus macrourusThis is a typical harrier, with long wings held in a shallow V in its low flight.
Eastern Marsh HarrierCircus spilonotusIt is 48 to 58 cm long with a wingspan of 113 to 137 cm; like most birds of prey, the female is usually larger than the male.
Side by side: Hen Harrier vs Montagu's Harrier · Montagu's Harrier vs Western Marsh Harrier · Harris's Hawk vs Montagu's Harrier · Montagu's Harrier vs Swamp Harrier
Learn the Montagu's Harrier for real
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