About Circus melanoleucos (Pennant, 1769)
The pied harrier, with the scientific name Circus melanoleucos (Pennant, 1769), is a medium-sized raptor. Individuals measure 41 to 49 centimeters (16 to 19 inches) in total length from the tip of the beak to the end of the tail. Adult males weigh 265 to 325 grams, while adult females are heavier, weighing 390 to 455 grams. This species perches on reeds, posts, or the ground, and rarely perches on trees. When perched, the wings extend far down along the tail but do not reach past the tail tip. Adult males have black plumage on the head, neck, back, breast, and primary flight feathers; the forewing, rump, and all other underparts are white. Adult males also have distinct striking yellow eyes. Adult females resemble Montagu's harriers. They are generally dark brown on the upperparts, and pale brown to white with dark streaking on the underparts, with a small white rump. Unlike males, females usually have brown eyes. Juvenile pied harriers resemble juvenile Montagu's harriers. They are darker on the upperparts than adult females, and have rich cinnamon coloring on the underparts. In flight, the pied harrier is most similar to the hen harrier in size and shape. Its wings are longish, narrow, and slightly rounded at the tips. The tail is long and rounded. Like other harriers, this species flies buoyantly, with a few relaxed wingbeats alternating with glides. When gliding and soaring, it holds its wings in a shallow V shape. The pied harrier's breeding range stretches eastward from roughly Lake Baikal in southern Siberia, through Mongolia and Northeast China, as far south as North Korea. Its wintering range spans from eastern India and Sri Lanka, through Southeast Asia, to the Philippines and Borneo. In its northern range, the species primarily lives in steppes or boggy birch scrub; in southern wintering grounds, it occupies paddy fields and swamps. It prefers open habitats but can tolerate a moderate amount of bush cover. It occurs at altitudes from sea level up to 2100 meters, and normally breeds at elevations below 1500 meters. The pied harrier is a ground-nesting bird. It builds its nests primarily from grass and other plant material; nests are thin, and measure 40 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) across. In each breeding season, the female lays 4 to 5 eggs at 2-day intervals. The female is primarily responsible for incubation, which lasts more than 30 days. Courtship consists of aerial displays, including high circling, the male diving toward the female, undulating sky dances, and food passes. The male is vocal during these displays.
