Circus cyaneus
Did you Know?
This iconic upland bird is exceptionally rare, and steps have been taken nationally to increase its population. The National Landscape is one of the most important areas in England for breeding hen harriers. In 2023 around 22% of the breeding population nested in the area. Land owned by the water utility company, United Utilities, is a stronghold for breeding pairs. In 2022, 39 chicks fledged from 11 nests. With an additional 3 nests on other moorland estates, it was the first time in over 10 years that the Bowland Fells SPA has reached the minimum number of breeding pairs for which it was designated. For the population to thrive, more of the Bowland Fells need to provide suitable habitat and incidences of persecution must be reduced and ultimately cease in the wider countryside.
Fun Fact:
Look out for male hen harriers as they perform a spectacular "sky dance" in the spring to attract females. This involves steep, twisting dives that can be mesmerizing for both the birds.
Identification & Voice:
Female Hen Harriers are a rich brown in colour with dark barring on the tail and wings and a distinctive white rump. The males are smaller and a beautiful pearly grey in colour with distinctive black wingtips. It is silent except when nesting when it makes a rapid 'yikkering' call during its sky-dance display along with various other scolding calls.