Pallid harrier
Circus macrourus
Fun Fact: Pallid harriers inhabit grassland associated with floodplains or open pans, usually singly or in scattered groups.
Introduction: Pallid harriers (Circus macrourus) inhabit grassland associated with floodplains or open pans, usually singly or in scattered groups. Often seen roosting in grass with Montagu's harrier.
Distribution: Scattered populations around north and central Namibia including Etosha National Park and the Caprivi.
Diet: Eats mostly insects such as locusts, beetles, grasshoppers as well as lizards, birds and small mammals.
Description: Medium-sized raptor with long wings. Macrourus is Latin for 'long-tailed'. Other features include an owl-like facial ruff, silvery-grey upper body and yellow feet and legs. Often confused with Montagu's harrier which has more black in the wing primaries.
Breeding: Breeds Palearctic.
Size: 48cm.
Weight: 440g.
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