Montagu's Harrier
Circus pygargus (Linnaeus)

Identification: It is the smallest harrier, measuring about 34-46cm. The plumage of the upper side is grayish blue with sharply defined black bars on wings. The underside is light and has blackish brown streaks. The lower side of the tail is whitish, barred rufous to brown. The female is brown above and yellow streaked with brown on the underside, like the other female harriers.

Habitat: It is found near fresh water marshes, and also in fields.

Distribution: It is a winter visitor to Pakistan.

Breeding: It breeds in May and June, the number of eggs is 4 to5.

Food: Its food consists of small rodents, poultry, ground birds, small lizards, frogs and insects.

Status: Scarce

male