Pied Harrier

The pied harrier is a medium-sized raptor. They measure 41-49cm (16 – 19 in) from the end of the tail to tip of the beak. Adult males weigh 265–325g, while adult females weigh 390–455g. They perch on reeds, posts, or on the ground, rarely on trees. Their wings reach far down their tail but not past the tip. The male is black on the head, neck, back, breast, and primary flight feathers, and white on the forewing, rump, and the rest of its underparts. It has striking yellow eyes. The female is similar looking to that of Montagu's harrier. Voice: The male gives repeated "kiiy yeee" calls and the females gives a rapid "kee-kee-kee" when displaying. If alarmed or disturbed near the nest the female may give a rapid chattering "chak-chak-chak-chak". They are otherwise generally silent, apart from an occasional anxious "wek wek wek".