HEN HARRIER 



PLATE XXI. FIGURE I. 

 Circus cyaneus, LINN/EUS. 



THE Hen Harrier, like the preceding species, was formerly 

 common in the fen districts of Great Britain, but since 

 their drainage it has become very rare, except as a migratory 

 species in autumn and winter. 



The nest of this bird, which is built on open wastes, and 

 frequently in a furze cover, and placed on or near the ground, 

 is composed of sticks rudely put together, sedge, reeds, flags, 

 and other coarse materials. When placed in deep heather 

 it is made . of a considerable height, sometimes as much as a 

 foot and a half; possibly, in such cases, a safeguard against 

 floods, or to enable the sitting bird to see around. 



The male is said to feed the female during the period of 

 incubation. The young are hatched early in June ; both 

 parents supply them with food. 



The eggs are four or five in number, sometimes six : and 

 most frequently white, or bluish, or greenish white, often 

 slightly marked, and in some instances more distinctly spotted 

 with yellowish brown, or light brown. 



