Circus melanoleucos

Overview

The pied harrier (Circus melanoleucos) is a medium-sized raptor in the family Accipitridae, distinguished by the male's striking white and black colouration. As a migratory bird endemic to Asia, it ranges from southern Siberia to the Philippines and is typically found in open country.

Identification

• Males: Black on the head, neck, back, breast, and primary flight feathers, with white forewings, rump, and underparts; features striking yellow eyes.
• Females: Resemble Montagu's harriers, appearing dark brown above and pale brown to white below with dark streaking, generally having brown eyes.
• Flight: Soars with wings in a shallow V shape; wings are long, narrow, and slightly rounded at the tips, with a long, rounded tail.
• Size: Medium-sized, measuring 41–49 cm in length; males weigh 265–325 g, while females are heavier at 390–455 g.

Habitat

Breeding occurs in steppes or boggy birch scrubs across southern Siberia, Mongolia, and Northeast China, while wintering takes place in paddy fields and swamps from eastern India through Southeast Asia to the Philippines. These birds prefer open habitats, though they tolerate some bush cover, and are found at altitudes from sea level up to 2100 m.

Diet

Primarily preys on small mammals such as shrews, mice, and especially voles, occasionally taking small birds like larks and pipits, as well as frogs, lizards, snakes, insects, and carrion. Foraging involves flying low over the terrain to survey it meticulously.

Did you know?

The male displays with a repeated "kiiy yeee" call, while the female gives a rapid "kee-kee-kee" during courtship displays and a chattering "chak-chak-chak-chak" if alarmed near the nest.