14 BRITISH BIRDS EGGS. 
HEN HARRIER. 
Circus cyaneus, Linn. 
Pl. IV., fig. 3. 
Geogr. distr.—Europe generally, ranging southwards to N. Africa 
and eastwards to China and Japan ; not rare in Great Britain, breeding 
chiefly in the northern counties; but rare in England. 
Food.—Reptiles, small birds, rats. 
Nest.—A few twigs or heather-stalks and a little coarse dried grass; 
but when in a damp situation it is placed upon a mass of flags, reeds, 
&c., which raise it considerably above the surface of the ground. 
Position of nest.—Always upon or near the ground, and frequently 
in marshy situations, but usually on a dry moor. 
Number of eggs.—4-5; generally 4.i 
Time of nidvfication.—V-VI. 
Though a rare bird in this country the Hen Havrrier is 
still believed to breed in Devonshire, Somersetshire, 
Dorsetshire, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Norfolk, Glouces- 
tershire, N. and 8. Wales, Shropshire, Yorkshire, Durham, 
Cumberland, Northumberland, Wigton, Selkirk, Lanark, 
Haddington, Stirling, the Highland shires, Hebrides, 
Orkneys and Shetlands. Its rarity is believed to be chiefly 
“due to agricultural improvements which have brought 
into cultivation large tracts of what was formerly waste 
land” (Yarrell). 
The flight of the Hen Harrier is said to be easy and 
buoyant, but not rapid, and, except in the breeding season, 
generally within a few feet of the surface of the ground, 
which it carefully examines in search of food. Mr. 
Seebohm says that it ‘‘is a bolder bird in the pursuit of 
its food than the other two British Harriers, and un- 
doubtedly often chases its prey on the wing. It catches 
small birds, mice, frogs, but does not disdain to make a 
meal off the eggs of its neighbours when it has the 
opportunity. The gracefulness of its flight, and the ease 
with which it can skim over the brow of a hill, make it 
a favourite with the ornithologist, in spite of an occa- 
sional young grouse that may fall a victim to its prowess.” 
(Hist. Brit. Birds, vol. 1. p. 180.) 
