Pallid Harrier
Circus macrourus (Gmelin)

Identification: It is a slender gray and white coloured Harrier measuring about 46-51 cm. in length. The male and female of the Pallid harriers differ markedly from each other. The male has pale ash gray plumage above and pure white below. The wings are long, narrow and pointed with black tips. The female is brown above having a well marked blackish ruff extending under the chin.

Habitat: It is found near the marshes and in plains.

Distribution: It is a common winter visitor mainly to Sindh and Punjab and has migratory passages through Balochistan.

Breeding: It breeds in April and May. The number of eggs laid is 4-5 per clutch.

Food: It feeds on small mammals, field mice, young ground birds, poultry, small lizards, frogs and many types of insects.

Status: Common to Frequent.