Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Overview
Hen harriers are rare. Persecuted. Foulshaw Moss gets winter birds. That low, quartering flight. Grey male. Brown female. Sky-dancing in spring. Don't expect to see one. Report any persecution.
At a Glance
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Habitat | Moorland · Blanket bog · Rough grassland |
| Diet | Small birds, mammals. Hunts by quartering. |
| UK population | Around 600 breeding pairs. Red list. Persecuted. |
| Lake District | Foulshaw Moss in winter. Moorland. Rare. The grey male, brown female. Sky-dancing in spring. Don't expect to see one. Be pleased if you do. |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Moorland. Foulshaw Moss, the eastern fells. Rare. Persecuted. Winter is best. Birds come in from the uplands.
Identification
Male grey with black wing tips. Female brown, barred. Long tail. Low, quartering flight. Owl-like face.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Foulshaw Moss. Winter. Dusk and dawn. They're rare. Don't disclose nest sites. Persecution is still a problem.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring in the Lake District contributes to national population tracking.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.