Birds and wildlife

Montagu's Harrier

Circus pygargusGroup: Kites, hawks and eaglesUK Conservation status:Red

How to identify

The Montagu's Harrier is a slim, medium-sized, long-winged bird of prey. It has a long tail, is smaller than a Buzzard, and has more pointed wings than the similar Hen Harrier. The male is grey on top. In flight, it shows black wingtips and a black stripe across the inner wing. The female is dark brown. It is an extremely rare breeding bird in the UK, and its status is precarious. Each pair needs special protection. It seems increasingly to be nesting on arable farmland rather than on marshes. It is a summer visitor, and migrates to Africa to spend the winter. Montagu's Harrier are a Schedule 1 listed species on The Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Key features to look out for

  • Medium size (Common Gull sized)
  • Male is pale grey above with extensive black wing tips, black stripe along wing and a white rump, pale below with blue grey head.
  • Female heavily barred brown above with white rump, underparts paler and barred / streaked.  
  • Delicate, tern-like buoyant flight.
Bird of the Year!

Yes, you better believe it, Bird of the Year (BoTY) is back for 2026!

Will you help this rare raptors rise? That's right, the Montagu's Harrier has been nominated and is ready to swoop the crown. Vote now for your 2026 bird of the year!

Where and when to see them

Migration

Sadly, this attractive raptor is having a very hard time clinging on in modern Britain. A rather delicate harrier, these birds travel to Europe from Africa to nest on farmland, plains and bogs. Although never a particularly common bird here, Montagu’s Harriers are today extremely rare nesters, mainly in southern and eastern England.

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
UK distribution map for Montagu's Harrier
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
Three Montagu's Harrier chicks perched in the lap of an RSPB staff member after being ringed for tracking.
Montagu's Harrier chicks being ringed
Meet the Montagu’s Harriers

Montagu’s Harriers are the UK’s rarest breeding bird. We are working to secure their future.

Key facts