On sunday, 13th of October, I had the unique opportunity to observe an immature Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) in the Niederer Fläming region of Brandenburg, a truly exciting find for any birdwatcher. With its distinct features and behavior, this raptor should be unmistakable in good observation conditions. But identifying immature and femlae individuals can be tricky. In this post, I will share my observations and provide some tips on how to identify immature Pallid Harriers.
Working near a fallow land, I realized – even without bins – a White-tail, obviously a Harrier over the former field. After the work I decided to pay the above mentioned area a closer look. 3 Harrier gliding in the heavy westernly wind low over the fallow land. Other raptors seen, were at least 2 Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), 1 male Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) and 2 Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). 2 individuals were quickly identified as female-looking Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus). But the third one was different. More slender and rusty-red on first appearance. Immediately I thought of an immature Pallid Harrier. Immature Pallid Harriers, especially first-year birds, exhibit a combination of features that differentiate them from adults and other harrier species. In the field, I paid close attention to the following characteristics:
Plumage Coloration
Immature Pallid Harriers typically have warm brown plumage, often with a hint of orange or buff on the underparts. This contrasts with the more greyish or silver tones seen in adult males. The bird I observed had a rich, rufous hue on the chest and belly, which is typical of juveniles. The head showed a noticeable creamy, almost ginger crown, often referred to as a “boa,” a key feature to look for in Pallid Harriers especially for immature individuals.
Facial Pattern
A striking feature in juvenile Pallid Harriers is the distinct facial pattern. The bird in question had a pale, owl-like face with dark eye patches, enhancing its overall resemblance to other harriers but still distinctively Pallid.
Wing Color and Shape and Flight Pattern
In flight, the Pallid Harrier was graceful, often flying low over the grassland with a sweeping, effortless style. The nearby newly seeded field was avoided. Young individuals like the one I saw have long, narrow wings with four “fingered” flight feathers that make the wings appear pointed. The wing tips were dark, contrasting slightly with the rest of the underside of the wings. The secondaries were dark on the underside
The Pallid Harrier I observed was gliding over the open fields more intense im comparision to the Hen Harriers, which were sitting in the low gras. The immature Pallid Harrier was hunting even in heavy rain for small mammals and (maybe) birds as well. They typically inhabit open areas like steppes, grasslands, and, in this case, the farmlands and fallow areas of Niederer Fläming. This region, with its mix of agricultural landscapes, offers a suitable habitat for the species, albeit temporarily, as they migrate.
The Pallid Harrier is a rare and highly migratory bird of prey, often passing through Europe during its seasonal movements from its breeding grounds in eastern Europe and Asia to its wintering areas in Africa. Spotting one in Brandenburg is notable due to the scarcity of sightings in Germany. However, distinguishing an immature Pallid Harrier from other similar species, such as the Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) and the Hen Harrier, presents a challenge.
Spotting an immature Pallid Harrier in the Niederer Fläming is a thrilling experience, especially given the bird’s elusive nature in this part of Europe. With practice, distinguishing juvenile Pallid Harriers from similar species becomes easier by focusing on key identifiers like plumage, facial patterns, wing shape, and tail markings. Keep an eye out for their distinctive low flight and you might just catch a glimpse of this remarkable bird on its journey.
Happy birding!
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