Population
It decreased by 80% in ten years, between 2012 and 2022.
Data from the first census of the species carried out in Portugal in 2022-2023.
Photo by Luís Cabral
Identification
THE MONTAGU'S HARRIER
↗ The Montagu's harrier, ally of farmers.
The Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) is a migratory bird of prey that winters in Africa and returns to the Iberian Peninsula in spring to nest, remaining in its breeding grounds until September. This bird nests on the ground in open areas, mainly in agricultural fields with cereals and fodder, and in scrubland.
In English, it is called Montagu's harrier.
↗ In Portugal
It is called "tartaranhão-caçador", but it is also known as "águia-caçadeira". Regional names include "gavião" and "gabilan" in the Mirandese Plateau.
↗ In Spain
The common name is "aguilucho cenizo".
AT RISK OF EXTINCTION
Data from the first census of the species carried out in Portugal in 2022-2023.
Photo by Luís Cabral
PAIRS
It is estimated that there are between 119 and 207 pairs in Portugal, the threshold for extinction.
Data from the first census of the species carried out in Portugal in 2022–2023.
IN SPAIN
In 2017, the Montagu's harrier population was estimated at 4,269 to 5,362 pairs, representing a decline of 23 to 27 per cent since 2006.
Data from the Atlas of the Birds of Spain
Let´s save the Montagu´s harrier from extinction
Together, we can preserve this species, which is an ally to farmers and essential to the balance of the fields!
CONSERVATION STATUS
Portugal
↘ Endangered
Espanha
↘ Vulnerable
The status is under review in this country and
is expected to be upgraded to Endangered.
European Union
↘ Least Concern
Global - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
↘ Least Concern
↘ Least Concern
The population status of the species in the European Union
has been updated from Secure to Threatened.
Global - International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
↘ Least Concern
THE SPECIES: LEARN HOW TO IDENTIFY IT
THE BIRD OF PREY OF THE FIELDS
Medium-sized bird of prey with very long, narrow wings and tail. Adults display strong sexual dimorphism. Often flies slowly and close to the ground. Four ‘toes’ are visible in flight.
↗ Length
39-50 cm
↗ Weight
Female 254-445 g
Male 225-305 g
↗ Wingspan
96-116 cm
Illustrations Davina Falcão
MALE
↗ Light grey on the upper parts
(body, head and chest)
↗ Black wing tips
↗ Black band on the dorsal side of the wing
↗ Ventral side of the wings with several reddish stripes (distinctive of the Hen harrier, Circus cyaneus)
↗ Grey tail and uropygium with only one white spot on the uropygium
↗ White underside with reddish mesh
FEMALE
↗ Brown
↗ Black band across the dorsal side of the wing
↗ Uropygium with white spot
↗ Head the same colour as the chest, with a distinctive facial pattern (dark cheeks and a white band between them and the eyes)
JUVENILE
↗ Reddish-brown colour
↗ Chest and belly without striation
GENUS CIRCUS
The Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) is one of four species of birds of prey belonging to the genus Circus that occur in the Iberian Peninsula, the others being the hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the pallid harrier (Circus macrourus).
No subspecies have been described.