Wildlifeof China
Pied Harrier
Birds of Prey
Photo: Jageshwer_Verma · CC BY 3.0
Circus melanoleucos
Basic stats
Diet
Small mammals
Habitat
Open country, sea level to 2,100m; normally breeds below 1,500m
Range
Asia, roughly from southern Siberia to the Philippines; winters from eastern India and Sri Lanka through South-east Asia to the Philippines and Borneo
Size
41–49cm
Weight
Males 265–325g, females 390–455g
The pied harrier is named for the male's distinctive black and white colouring: the male is black on the head, neck, back, breast and primaries and white on the forewing, rump and underparts, with striking yellow eyes. Birds measure 41–49cm, with adult males weighing 265–325g and females 390–455g. Its wings reach far down the tail but not past the tip (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is a migratory bird endemic to Asia, ranging roughly from southern Siberia to the Philippines, wintering from eastern India and Sri Lanka through South-east Asia, with some year-round populations in Assam and Myanmar. It is primarily solitary, living mostly in open country and eating small mammals. The male gives repeated 'kiiy yeee' calls (Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- What does the Pied Harrier eat?
- Small mammals
- What habitat does the Pied Harrier live in?
- Open country, sea level to 2,100m; normally breeds below 1,500m
- Where is the Pied Harrier found?
- Asia, roughly from southern Siberia to the Philippines; winters from eastern India and Sri Lanka through South-east Asia to the Philippines and Borneo
- How big is the Pied Harrier?
- 41–49cm
- How much does the Pied Harrier weigh?
- Males 265–325g, females 390–455g