Harrier

Harriers are a group of medium-sized birds of prey that are found in a variety of habitats across much of the world. They are members of the hawk and eagle family, Accipitridae, and are characterized by their long wings, long tails, and distinctive hunting style. There are about 15 species of harriers, which are found on every continent except Antarctica.

The most well-known species of harrier is the European harrier (Circus aeruginosus), which is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of about 90 cm (35 inches) and a body length of about 50 cm (20 inches). The European harrier has a slender build and long wings, and it is typically a light brown color with dark brown streaks on the breast. It feeds on a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.

Other species of harriers include the northern harrier (Circus hudsonius), which is found in North America, and the swamp harrier (Circus approximans), which is found in Australia and New Zealand. Harriers are skilled hunters and are known for their distinctive hunting style, which involves flying low over the ground and searching for prey. They are found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, marshes, and forests. Many species of harriers are considered to be at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities. Conservation efforts have helped to increase the populations of some harrier species, but many species are still considered to be at risk.