Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)
The Pallid Harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey that belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
These birds have a distinctive appearance, with a pale grey-brown plumage on their body, a white belly, and black markings on their face and wings. They have a relatively long tail and wings that are adapted for swift and agile flight.
Pallid Harriers are typically found in open habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and steppe regions. They feed on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
During breeding season, Pallid Harriers build a nest made of sticks and other materials, typically located on the ground or in low vegetation. Females lay 4-6 eggs per clutch, and both parents share the duties of incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Pallid Harriers are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, although some populations are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, hunting, and disturbance from human activity. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their breeding and non-breeding habitats and promote sustainable management practices.
Overall, the Pallid Harrier is an interesting and important species that plays a significant role in many open habitats around the world.