cinereous harrier

bird

Also known as: Circus cinereus

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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The cinereous harrier (Circus cinereus) is a species of harrier, a type of hawk belonging to the subfamily Circinae. These birds are characterized by their plain appearance, long legs, and long tails, with a slender build. They typically cruise at low altitudes over meadows and marshes in search of prey such as mice, snakes, frogs, small birds, and insects.1

Harriers are approximately 50 cm (20 inches) in length and possess small beaks with facial discs formed by their face feathers. They build their nests in marshes or tall grass and lay clutches of four to six dull whitish or bluish eggs. The cinereous harrier is found in South America, ranging from Peru to the Straits of Magellan.1

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harrier
Allied species include the cinereous harrier (C. cinereus), found from Peru to the Straits of Magellan; the long-winged harrier (C. buffoni), ranging over all of South America, especially east of the Andes; the South African marsh harrier (C. ranivorus), ranging north to Uganda on the east; and the pied…
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Allied species include the cinereous harrier (C. cinereus), found from Peru to the Straits of Magellan; the long-winged harrier (C. buffoni), ranging over all of South America, especially east of the Andes; the South African marsh harrier (C. ranivorus), ranging north to Uganda on the east; and the pied…
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