Pallid Harrier

The pallid harrier is a slim, long-winged raptor measuring forty to forty-eight centimetres, with a wingspan of ninety-five to 120 centimetres. As in other harriers, the wings are held in a shallow V during low searching flight. Adult males are pale grey above and white below with narrow black wingtips. Females are larger and much browner, and their identification requires care because they resemble other ringtail harriers. Males weigh around 315 grams and females around 445 grams. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Across its range, the pallid harrier breeds on open plains, bogs and heathland from southern eastern Europe through central Asia to Iran. Wintering birds occupy open country mainly in India and Southeast Asia. The species' scientific name reflects its form and flight: Circus comes from a Greek word associated with circling birds of prey, while macrourus means long-tailed. Its combination of long tail, narrow wings and low quartering flight suits a hunter that searches broad, largely treeless ground. (Wikipedia, general species account)