pied harrier

The pied harrier (Circus melanoleucus) is a species 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 fly low over meadows and marshes, hunting for prey such as mice, snakes, frogs, small birds, and insects. Harriers are approximately 50 cm (20 inches) in length and possess small beaks and facial discs formed by their face feathers. They build their nests in marshes or tall grass and lay four to six dull whitish or bluish eggs. The pied harrier is found in central and eastern Asia.1