Pallid Harrier

Pallid Harrier

Circus marcourus

Included in the “Red Book” of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

It is a species of bird of prey belonging to the family of the Harriers of the order of the Golden-tailed Harriers of the order of the Birds. It is found along the Caspian coast, in the Araz-bound plain, in the foothills of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, in the middle mountainous regions of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and in the Talysh mountain steppes. Its number is small, and individual individuals are recorded.

Its mass is 0.3-0.6 kg, its body length is 43-53 cm, and its wingspan is 34-37 cm. The male's back is blue-gray, the breast, belly, and underside of the wings are pure white, and the female's back is dull.

It is found in open areas near lakes, rivers, and swamps. It is a passing bird, rarely winters. It is likely to nest in small numbers. Spring migration is recorded in late March-April, sometimes later, and autumn migration in September-October.