Circus cyaneus (Linnaeus, 1766) · kaňa sivá · Hen Harrier

Distribution

Hen Harrier breeds in northern and temperate Eurasia. Some populations migrate south while others remain in milder areas. In Slovakia it is a regular passage and winter visitor to open country, mainly from autumn to spring. It is not a regular breeder; spring sightings should not automatically be interpreted as local nesting. Numbers vary with weather and food.

Habitat

It favours fields, meadows, fallows and low-growing wetlands. Night roosts may gather in taller grass or other safe cover. Slovak birds often quarter extensive farmland close to the ground.

Breeding

In its breeding range it builds a ground nest among vegetation. The female incubates several white eggs while the male supplies food. This concerns populations outside its normal Slovak occurrence.

Food

It mainly catches small mammals and birds, flying slowly over terrain before dropping abruptly onto prey.

Interesting fact

Males are grey with black wingtips; females and young are brown with a striking white rump. The North American relative is now generally treated as a separate species.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · Raptor Protection of Slovakia: winter census 2026