Pallid harrier
Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary,Maharashtra
Jayamangali blackbuck reserve,Karnataka
Information of Pallid harrier
| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Near Threatened |
|---|---|
| Approximate size(adult): | Medium-sized harrier, about 40–48 cm in length with a wingspan of 95–120 cm. Males are pale gray above with a white rump and black wing tips, while females and immatures are brown with streaked underparts. Slender body and long wings give it a buoyant flight. |
| Resident/ Migrate from: | A migrant raptor that breeds across the steppe regions of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including southern Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. |
| Migrate to: | Winters in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of eastern Africa. Common winter visitor to open habitats in India. |
| Breeding season: | Breeds from May to July. Builds nests on the ground in open grasslands or steppe, often among low vegetation. Lays 3–5 eggs. |
| Breed in: | Open grasslands, steppe, and semi-desert regions with sparse vegetation across Eurasia. |
| Habitat: | During winter, prefers dry grasslands, scrublands, agricultural fields, and semi-arid plains. Frequently seen gliding low over open country in search of prey. |
| Diet: | Feeds mainly on small mammals, lizards, birds, and large insects; hunts by flying low over the ground with slow, buoyant wingbeats. |