Steppe harrier description. An inconspicuous inhabitant of the fields is the steppe harrier. Field harrier habitat

Circus macrourus (S.G. Gmelin, 1771)
Bird Class - Aves
Order Falconiformes - Falconiformes
Accipitridae family
Category and status: IV - poorly studied species in the territory.
Red Book of the Russian Federation: 2 - a species with a declining population.
IUCN-96 Red List; Appendix 2 of CITES;
Annex 2 of the Bonn Convention; Annex 2
the Berne Convention; Application of the agreement concluded by Russia with India on the protection of migratory birds. SPEC-3.

Description of the adult stage and its differences from related species The steppe harrier is a medium-sized predator, noticeably larger than a crow. The male is light gray with narrow black "wedges" at the very ends of the wings. The chest and belly are pure white, the rump is light. The female and juveniles are reddish in color. The male is well distinguished from all other predators by its characteristic coloration, the female and juveniles are similar to females and young Harriers, but the stripe on the rump is no longer pure white.
Information about biology and ecology The steppe harrier inhabits various types of flat and hilly landscapes. Distribution on nesting is associated with centers of increase in the number of mouse-like rodents. It usually breeds in waterlogged areas of floodplains. Clutch in late April-May, consists of 4-6 white or bluish eggs, usually with brown markings. The diet is dominated by mice, ground squirrels, as well as small and medium-sized birds.
Distribution and occurrence Steppes, forest-steppes, semi-deserts of Eurasia; the south of the forest zone in Europe and the northern deserts of Kazakhstan, as well as Northern and Western Europe. In Russia, there are mainly steppe and forest-steppe zones from Moldova to the Baikal region, the south of the forest zone. It winters in Southwest Asia and partly in Africa. According to available data, on the territory of the Belgorod region, the steppe harrier is found in Borisovsky, Gubkinsky, Novooskolsky and Rovensky. The last find dates back to 2000.
Limiting factors Reduction of places suitable for settlement. Progressive deterioration of nesting and feeding conditions associated with the transformation of its main nesting and feeding biotopes (destruction of thickets of steppe shrubs, reduction of mesophilic vegetation of forb-shrub hollows, meadow depressions, floodplains of steppe streams, etc.). The natural enemies of the steppe harrier are the burial ground and the steppe eagle.
Necessary security measures Conservation of identified habitats. Search for areas with a consistently high nesting abundance of the predator with the prospect of organizing protected areas on their territory.
Conservation Measures Taken The species is protected on the territory of the protected areas "Forest on Vorskla", "Yamskaya Steppe", "Bald Mountains" and "Stenki-Izgorye" of the State Nature Reserve "Belogorye" (

This is a bird of prey from the moon family. Fully justifying its name, the steppe harrier lives in open areas - in fields, foothills. It is a typical predator that soars for a long time over the endless expanses and looks out for prey among the grass.

Steppe harrier - description

All types of harriers are relatives of hawks, so they have much in common in appearance. A characteristic visual feature of the harrier is the presence of a discreet, but still facial disc. This is the name of the "construction" of feathers, which frames the face and partially the neck. The most pronounced facial disc is expressed in owls.

Unlike hawks, harriers have very different coloration of males and females. The male steppe harrier has a bluish back, typical white eyebrows and cheeks. The entire lower part of the body is white, and the iris of the eyes is yellow.

Adult females of the steppe harrier have a much more interesting "outfit". There are brown feathers in the upper part of the body and an interesting red border on the edge of the wings. On the tail - smoky, ashy and brown feathers, which are crossed by a white stripe. The iris of the female's eyes is brown.

The steppe harrier is a medium-sized bird. The length of his body, on average, is 45 centimeters, and the maximum weight is up to 500 grams. In color and general appearance, it looks like a field harrier.

Habitat and lifestyle

The steppe harrier is an inhabitant of the Eurasian part of the globe. It inhabits territories from Ukraine to Southern Siberia, while “going into” many neighboring territories. So, the harrier can be found in Ciscaucasia, central Siberia, the steppes of Kazakhstan, in Altai.

The classic habitat of the steppe harrier is an open area with grass, shrubs, or even just bare earth, rubble, etc. Ideally, this is the steppe, which is densely populated by rodents. The steppe harrier is a migratory bird, therefore, with the onset of cold weather, it makes long-distance flights to warm countries. Most harriers winter in southern Asia, but from some areas these birds fly to eastern and southern Africa.

The nest of the steppe harrier is an ordinary hole dug right in the ground. Most often there are four eggs in one clutch. The incubation period lasts about a month, and the chicks become completely independent about 30-40 days after birth.

What does the steppe harrier eat

Being a predator, the steppe harrier preys on small animals, birds and amphibians living in the nesting area. Most often these are various rodents, lizards, small birds, frogs, small snakes. The bird can also eat large insects, including large grasshoppers and locusts.

The hunting of the steppe harrier consists in flying around the territories in a soaring flight. Most often, the bird quietly soars above the ground, "leaning" on the ascending currents of warm air. Due to the absence of wing flapping, the steppe harrier does not make any noise at this time. He inaudibly flies up to the prey and grabs it with tenacious claws.

The number of steppe harrier

Despite the wide range of habitat, the population of the steppe harrier is slowly but surely declining. It is listed in the Red Data Book of Russia as a "decreasing species". At the moment, there are already areas of the range where it is very difficult to find these birds. These include the areas of the Lower and Middle Don, the North-Western Caspian and others.

The most densely steppe harrier inhabits the steppes of the Trans-Urals and Western Siberia. To preserve the natural habitat of steppe birds, the Altai, Central Black Earth and Orenburg reserves operate. In their territories, the number of steppe harrier is also high.

The steppe harrier is a bird of prey of the hawk family. Nesting places - the southern regions of Eastern Europe and the central part of Asia to the Mongolian steppes.

Before the onset of the cold season, birds migrate to Southeast Asia, India, Central and East Africa. Occasionally, representatives of the species were noticed in Western Europe and Britain. There is a separate population of these birds that does not migrate and leads a sedentary lifestyle. These are birds living in the Caucasus and in the steppes of the Crimea.

The appearance of the steppe harrier

The females of this species are slightly larger than the males. If the body length of the male is from 43-48 cm, then the females grow up to 48-52 cm.

The average wing length is 34 cm, the wingspan ranges from 95 to 120 cm. The weight of the female is usually 445 g. The males weigh about 330 g.

The wings of birds are pointed and narrow. The plumage of males is white below the body, light gray above. The ends of the wings are black. The females have a white uppertail and are covered with brown feathers. Under the eyes of birds there are spots of white feathers. Claws and beak are black, cere and paws are yellow. Young steppe harriers have a brown iris, while in adult birds it is pale yellow. The color of the plumage of young animals is similar to the plumage of females. On the 4th year of life, after 3 molts, young birds acquire the color, as in adults.

Behavior and nutrition of the steppe harrier

The steppe inhabits the steppes and forest-steppes, preferring to live in open spaces, wastelands and swampy areas. These are places near rivers, lakes and the steppe zone, where tall grass and shrubs grow. In the forest, a bird can choose a clearing to live.

This species of birds of prey is practically not found in areas far from water sources. The choice of nesting site depends on how rich the area is in food, that is, it depends on the number of rodents.

The bird is active during the daytime. When hunting, she flies at a fairly low distance from the ground and looks out for prey. The food for predators is mainly rodents, but also birds and. Seeing potential prey, the steppe harrier sharply decreases, spreading its tail near the surface of the earth - thus slowing down. He stretches forward clawed paws and grabs a gaping animal.

Each representative of the species has its own hunting area, rather small in size. The bird flies around its hunting grounds along an unchanged route. In those years when the rodent population decreases, the steppe harrier is forced to look for other places for nesting.

Reproduction and lifespan

The steppe harrier has its nest right on the ground and prefers places close to water sources. The bird's nest looks like a hole surrounded on all sides by grass. Usually, it is arranged in bushes on a small hill. The female lays 3-6 white eggs. Experts did not observe more than 7 eggs in the clutch of the steppe harrier. Having laid the first egg, the female immediately proceeds to incubation. The incubation period lasts 3-3.5 weeks.

At the very beginning of July, chicks hatch from eggs. Nesting time is 1.5 months and throughout this period a pair of steppe harriers shows increased aggressiveness. Birds can fight even with a large predator.

Puberty in birds of this species occurs at the age of three. In the wild, life expectancy is 20-22 years.

population

This bird species is listed in the Red Book. The population of steppe harriers is only 40 thousand individuals. But this figure is approximate. The fact is that in Russia there is no exact data on the number of representatives of this species.

The life of these feathered predators is directly related to the number of rodents. It can be said that the bird follows its favorite food. If the population of voles is large, then there will be many harriers in the area. In such a situation, the wrong impression is created that there are many steppe harriers. However, this is not the case, due to their concentration in one place.

The steppe harrier belongs to the hawk family and is a bird of prey. Breeds in eastern regions of Europe and Central Asia up to Mongolia. On the eve of cold weather, it migrates to India, Indochina, the eastern regions of China, the eastern and central regions of Africa. In Western Europe, representatives of the species appear very rarely. A separate population living in the Crimean steppe zone and in the Caucasus does not migrate.

Females are slightly larger than males in size. The body length of females ranges from 48 to 52 cm. In males, the corresponding value is 43-48 cm. The wingspan is 95-120 cm. The average wing length reaches 34 cm. The average weight of males is 330 g, and the weight of the fair sex is 445 g .

The wings are rather narrow and pointed. The plumage of males is whitish-gray above, white below. Wing tips are black. Females are covered with brown plumage with a white rump. There are spots of white feathers under the eyes. The beak is black, the claws are also black. Legs and cere are yellow. The iris of the eyes in adult birds is pale yellow, in young birds it has a brown tint. The plumage of young birds is similar to that of females. Young people acquire an adult outfit in the 4th year of life after 3 molts.

Reproduction and lifespan

The steppe harrier arranges its nests right on the ground, while choosing watered areas. The nest is an ordinary hole surrounded on all sides by grass. It is usually done on a small hill among dense thickets of shrubs. In laying most often from 3 to 5 eggs, more than 7 eggs do not happen. The female begins to incubate with the laying of the very first egg. The incubation period takes 3-3.5 weeks.

Chicks are born in early July. The entire nesting period takes 1.5 months. At this time, parents are characterized by increased aggressiveness. They can fight with any predator. Sexual maturity occurs at the age of 3 years. In the wild, this bird of prey lives an average of 20-22 years.

Behavior and nutrition

This species inhabits the steppe and forest-steppe zones. These are forb-shrub steppes and coastal river and lake areas. In a wooded area, the bird prefers clearings. Nesting sites are selected depending on the number of rodents. A feathered predator is very rare far from water.

The bird hunts during the daytime. She flies slowly and low over fields and swamps, looking for prey. It consists of rodents, lizards, birds. Seeing the prey, the predator rapidly decreases. At the very ground, it spreads its tail, slowing it down. At the same time, the paws are pulled forward and the animal grabs the claws. Each representative of the species has its own hunting ground. It is small in area. The steppe harrier flies around it along a certain invariable route. In case of starvation, he is forced to look for other areas for food.

population

This species is listed in the Red Book, since the population has only 40 thousand individuals. But the indicated value is not accurate. In the same Russia, there are no data at all on the number of the species. This predator always follows rodents. If their concentration is high, then there are a lot of birds. In such areas, a false impression is created of a high number of raptors.

The decline in the population is due to the destruction of the natural habitat of the steppe harrier. Man expands the area under crops, drains swamps, mows meadows. All this affects the life of a feathered predator in the most negative way. Its main enemy in the wild is the steppe eagle. But it causes minimal damage to the population compared to the restless activity of people.

Noticeably larger than a crow, slightly larger than a meadow harrier and slightly smaller than a field harrier. The male is light gray, the lightest of the harriers. It differs from the field harrier in a gradual transition from a darker head to a lighter belly, the wing is noticeably sharper and shorter than that of other light harriers, there is little black at the end of the wing, it enters at a light sharp angle on the open wing (1st flight feather is not black) , from below the border of black and light is clear, from above it is blurred, there is no dark stripe along the posterior edge of the wing. White lumbar spot indistinct, with spots. There are indistinct transverse stripes on the tail, visible on all tail feathers, except for the middle pair. Semi-adult males (2nd calendar year) are similar to adults, but have brown streaks on the light-gray top of the wing, many red streaks on the neck and chest. The female is similar to females of other light harriers. It differs from the field harrier in a lighter build, a sharper wing, a more contrasting “face” pattern (a black rim around the eye, edged with a clear narrow whitish “bracket”, a wide crescent dark spot extends from the ear to the beak). Under the facial disc and on the neck there is a distinct light collar, which (weaker) is also found in the females of the field harrier, but not in the meadow harrier. The underside of the wing, in contrast to the wing of the females of the meadow and field harriers, is dark, therefore the longitudinal stripes are fuzzy, merging at the base of the wing, the marginal stripe on the secondary flight feathers expands towards the base of the wing, there are 2 dark longitudinal stripes on the wing from below, the third barely protrudes from under lower wing coverts. Unlike the meadow harrier, the top of the wing is dark, so the dark stripe along the wing does not stand out. There is usually a buffy highlight on the upper wing coverts. On the tail below, there is one clear apical dark stripe, the second is indistinct, it looks like a middle spot on the folded tail (almost like a field harrier), on the top of the folded tail, the light areas merge into large spots, two spots are clearly visible on each side. The white stripe on the lower back is narrow, with streaks. On the neck, goiter and chest, on an almost white background, there are large rare brownish-yellow streaks; from a distance, the front part of the body from below seems much darker than the back, where the streaks are lighter and narrower. One-year-old females retain some of their juvenile plumage as rusty spots. Juveniles have buffy-red plumage, lighter than that of meadow harriers. The main difference from the meadow ones is that there is a white collar under the facial disc and behind the neck, the contrast of which is also emphasized by the dark reddish-brown color on the sides of the neck. There are stripes on the lower surface of the wings. The eyes of young females are brown, those of young males are dark gray, in contrast to the yellow eyes of adults. The legs are yellow, as in adults. The steppe harriers, in comparison with others, have shorter and pointed wings, a more energetic and swift flight, with relatively frequent flaps, in a gliding flight the angle between the raised wings is about 90-100 degrees. Contact signs of steppe harriers of any sex and age: the notch of the inner web of the 1st primary feather is approximately at the same level with the tops of the coverts of the raceme, the notches on the outer webs are on the extreme 4 primary primaries. Weight of males 300-500, females - 370-600 g, length 43-53, wing of males 32.7-36.0, females - 35.0-39.3, wingspan 95-120 cm.

Spreading

Breeds in northern part of Kazakhstan, south to Kamysh-Samar lakes, upper reaches of Emba, Dzhezkazgan, northern Balkhash region, Kalbinskiy Altai, southern foothills of Tarbagatai and probably in eastern part of Dzungarian Alatau; as well as in the Syrdarya valley and the western foothills of the Chu-Ili mountains, where it was common in 2003. Occurs ubiquitously on migration. Sometimes it winters in the Zaysan depression, near Ust-Kamenogorsk (November 12, 1995) and near Makanchi (November 5, 1978).

Biology

Common breeding migrant. It lives in dry steppes, semi-deserts and occasionally in the forest-steppe zone, often not far from a lake or wet meadow, especially in dry years. Appears at the end of March - beginning of April in the south of Kazakhstan and at the end of April - in the north. The nest is built on the ground, or in rare cases on a heap of old reeds or on a haystack; builds a nest from old dry stems, the tray is lined with grass. Clutch of 3-7, usually 4-5 eggs, occurs from late April to June. The females incubate for about 30 days, while the male feeds her. The chicks were seen from the end of May to July. Both parents feed the chicks, which begin to fly in late June - August. Autumn migration begins at the end of August, most birds migrate in September - October. Like other harriers, the steppe harrier flies mostly alone or in small groups.

Sources of information

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005.
E.I. Gavrilov. "Fauna and distribution of birds in Kazakhstan". Almaty, 1999. V.K. Ryabitsev. "Birds of the Urals, the Urals and Western Siberia". Yekaterinburg. Publishing House of the Ural University, 2000.