Hen Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
One of Britain's most persecuted birds of prey — illegally killed on grouse moors — the Hen Harrier is a rare and special winter sight on the Sefton Coast. Males are pale grey with black wingtips ('grey ghost'), females are brown with a bold white rump. They roost communally in some winters and a roosting site near Marshside has been used historically. If you see one quartering low over the marsh in January, count yourself lucky.
At a Glance
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Habitat | Open marsh · Dune grassland · Rough grassland |
| Diet | Small mammals (especially voles), small birds, carrion |
| UK population | Around 600 breeding pairs in the UK uplands; severely persecuted on grouse moors |
| Sefton Coast | One or two birds most winters at Marshside; occasional communal roost |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Marshside RSPB and Crossens Marsh. Occasionally over the dunes at Ainsdale. Generally one or two birds in a winter.
Identification
Similar to Marsh Harrier but slimmer, longer-tailed. Males pale grey. Females/immatures brown with white rump and barred tail. White rump is key.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Late afternoon in winter. They often roost in rank grass or rush beds. Scan open marsh areas from the sea wall.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I distinguish Hen Harrier from Marsh Harrier?
Hen Harriers are slimmer and longer-tailed than Marsh Harriers. The white rump (on females and young) is the key field mark. Male Hen Harriers are pale grey with black wingtips — very different from the chestnut and grey of male Marsh Harriers. Both glide with wings in a shallow V.
Why is the Hen Harrier so rare?
Hen Harriers are illegally persecuted on grouse moors because they predate grouse chicks. Despite legal protection, the shooting of Hen Harriers persists — Natural England's tracking data shows many birds disappear over grouse moor areas. The Sefton Coast birds are winter visitors from upland breeding grounds.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.