Hen Harrier: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Hawks and Falcons · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. The name hen harrier comes from the days when this bird often caught chickens and other farm birds roaming free.
2. Few birds of prey do this: a male hen harrier can pair with several females. Up to five in one season have been recorded.
3. It hunts low over the ground with its long wings raised in a gentle V, following every rise and dip of the land.
4. Hen harriers have an owl-like facial disc and exceptionally good hearing for a daytime raptor, which helps them find prey.
5. Hen harriers and short-eared owls harass each other until one drops its prey. Most often, the harrier is the thief.

The quiz

1. Why is it called the hen harrier?

• It looks like a hen
• It clucks like a hen
• It used to prey on free-ranging fowl (correct)
• It nests with hens

The name dates from the days when it often caught free-roaming farm birds.

2. How many females may mate with one male in a season?

• Up to five (correct)
• Up to two
• Up to ten
• Always just one

Up to five females have mated with one male in a season.

3. How does a hen harrier hold its wings while hunting?

• Straight out and flat
• In a shallow V (correct)
• Tucked tight to its body
• In a deep M

It hunts with its long wings raised in a gentle V.

4. What helps hen harriers hear their prey?

• Huge ear tufts
• A long curved beak
• A crest of feathers
• An owl-like facial disc (correct)

Their owl-like facial disc goes with exceptionally good hearing.

5. Which bird do hen harriers often steal prey from?

• Peregrine falcons
• Kestrels
• Short-eared owls (correct)
• Barn owls

Harriers most often steal prey from short-eared owls.

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