Montagu's harrier  (Circus pygargus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Named after the early nineteenth century ornithologist Col. George Montagu, the Montagu's harrier is the smallest of Britain's 3 harrier species, and is superficially similar to the hen harrier, (Circus cyaneus). Females are brown with a whitish rump, juveniles are similar in colour to females but have reddish-brown underparts. Males are pale grey with black wing bars and wing tips, and have a grey rump. This species is generally silent, but can be heard producing a high-pitched 'yik-yik-yik' call in the breeding season (2).

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