Flight identification of European raptors

Flight identification of European raptors

We now turn to the four harriers Circus, a genus associated with extensive reedbeds, cornfields and moorland, not requiring trees or cliffs as do most raptors. Three--Marsh C. aeruginosas, Hen C. cyanms and Montagu's C. pjgargus--are comparatively common, but the Pallid C. macrourus is much rarer (mainly east Europe). All invariably soar and normally glide with wings raised in a shallow V, and this and their long wings and tail distinguish them from other birds of prey. The only other similar-sized raptors to soar on raised wings are the buzzards, particularly Buteo buteo (part 1), but they have short tails more fully spread and glide on flat wings. Male harriers are not difficult to identify with reasonable views, but the females and immatures of Hen, Montagu's and Pallid must often be grouped as 'ringtails' unless the head and neck pattern is seen. Fig. 3 5 below shows the head-on profiles. Figs. 36A-36D on page 234 compare the four males, and 36E-36F the heads of the three 'ringtail' females; the facing text on page Z35 comments on the main features, and outlines the areas of Europe, the Middle East and north Africa in which each species may be seen. Figs. 37-44 on pages 237-247, supported by plates 41-44, illustrate the under- and uppersides in various plumages. See also the definitions on page 53 of part 3.Fig. 35, Head-on profiles of harriers: (A) typical soaring and gliding with wings in shallow V ; all species, though particularly the Hen Harrier Circus cyatiem,

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