We are very lucky to see Hen Harriers at Glenkilrie. It is thought there are only 1000 pairs in the UK. Hen harriers became extinct from the UK mainland in the 19th century and re-colonised after the second world war.
The hen harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a bird of prey. The genus name Circus is derived from Ancient Greek kirkos, meaning ‘circle’, referring to a bird of prey named for its circling flight. The specific cyaneus is Latin, meaning “dark-blue”.
Hen harriers eat small mammals and birds. Their diet includes, voles, songbirds, grouse, lapwing, curlew chicks, small rabbits and stoats.
